GREENGOLD GARDEN CONCEPTS
CARE AND MAINTENANCE NOTES

HOW TO HAVE BEAUTY WITH BULBS

The possibilities when gardening with bulbs are endless. Bulbs are loved the world over for their clear colors and some for their unique fragrance. Tulips, freesias, daffodils, hyacinths and many more will enhance your garden and give pleasure to your senses.

Most bulbs prefer to be planted in sunny spots, but you will find that they will also grow with some shade.Easy to grow, bulbs require only a little care and attention to give a beautiful and colorful display. You can have a spectacular spring garden outside and spotted color inside.

VARIETIES - There is a big and interesting range of bulbs to choose from. For full sun, choose anemones, daffodils, Dutch iris, ixia, lachenalias, ranunculus, sparaxis and tritonia. For areas with some shade choose bluebells, daffodils, freesias, grape hyacinths, tulips and hyacinths.

WHEN TO PLANT - The best time to plant for most bulbs is between March and May - tulips in May and hyacinths in March/April.

WHERE TO PLANT - The majority of bulbs prefer sun but will accept broken shade, or shade for part of the day. They do not like poorly drained, wet soils and definitely prefer cool soil. Bulbs such as anemones, ranunculus and sparaxis prefer sunny spots.

PREPARATION AND PLANTING - It is not difficult to prepare a soil suitable to grow beautiful bulbs. Loosen the soil in a sunny well drained spot to spade depth and add some YATES BULB FOOD, raking it through. Add some compost too to help keep the soil rich and friable. When planting bulbs, you can choose how you want them placed, either individually

You should only fill the container so that the the tips of the bulbs are level with, or just above the rim. Once this is done, fill the pot to the rim, and firm the mixture around the bulbs. Create an artificial winter for hyacinths and tulips by keeping them in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator for about 2 - 3 weeks prior to planting. The container of flowering bulbs may be brought indoors when the flowering commences.

FEEDING - The major cause of failure to flower is under- feeding of bulbs. Like most plants they require some fertilizer from time to time. Incorporate a liberal dressing of YATES BULB FOOD into the soil about one week prior to planting. Feed the bulbs as they grow, and add some more YATES BULB FOOD just before the buds show color. Feed with PHOSTROGEN every three weeks during the flowering period. About a month after the flowers have finished, before the foliage has died down, feed again with YATES BULB FOOD.

WATERING:- Once planted, you should water occasionally for 8 - 10 weeks, so that they don't dry out. Don't be too heavy handed but gradually increase the watering as the plants grow.

PESTS: - Snails and slugs will thoroughly enjoy the young succulent growth as the new shoots on your bulbs begin to appear. Remember to protect them with snail bait.

COMPANION PLANTS -

Low growing annuals such as pansy. violas. alyssum and dwarf Virginian stock are a beautiful accompaniment to bulbs and practical as well. They give you color after the bulbs have finished and they also act as a natural mulch keeping the soil moist, cool and free of weeds.

HELPFUL HINTS:

• Pre-planting chilling treatment is advisable for hyacinths and tulips.
• Feed once flower buds appear, with PHOSTROGEN
• Pick off spent blooms regularly
• Anemones, and ranunculus will especially produce a good display of color for you.
• Indoors, once flowers appear, keep pots away from heaters and from the direct sun of a hot window sill
• GREENGOLD GARDEN CONCEPTS recommend bulbs from TRENTON COTTAGE and YATES.
• Bulb mix from YATES and DEBCO is recommended.
• Bulb food from YATES, and PHOSTROGEN from DEBCO is recommended.