An autumn bulb special

For years now I've added to my bulb collection. They do not last forever so I try to put new bulbs in my bowls and tubs and use the older ones for naturalizing in the garden. The society is now buying bulbs from David Ross in Kettleshulme enabling us to offer discounts which are proving very popular at our coffee mornings.

There is still time to plant now, but you do need to get a move on. I always say to plant bulbs at three times their own depth, even though the RHS say a depth of two to two and a half times. Add grit if your soil is heavy. Bulbs always look better in groups of three, five or seven. When they have finished flowering let the leaves die down naturally, in order to store energy.

At coffee mornings I've long advised planting them around an external door as nothing beats

the sight of bulbs in the spring. And don’t forget to add a general fertilizer, or water with tomato food, before and after flowering. Follow these simple steps and they will reward you for many

years.

Some of my bulbs are 20 years old. Get yourself down to David Ross (not forgetting your

membership card) and enjoy your full trade discount!

Ralph Dale - Head Gardener