Plant bulbs in the garden, redesign in full color
Planting bulbs in the garden is not only a fantastic way to enjoy their incredible variety of blooms, colors and textures. In addition, doing so allows us to endow our piece of nature with life practically all year round. Because that is, without a doubt, one of the advantages of bulbs: that the range of options is so wide that we can enjoy flowers, even when winter is not over.
Apart from this, there is another good reason to plant bulbs in the garden that is closely linked to the fact that they offer a world of possibilities. Due to their versatility and decorative nature, bulbs are perfect for playing with the landscaping of any green space. Some plants that will display their visual appeal at certain times of the year, and that with careful planning can make our space gain in beauty and color.
Let’s see some essential tips to plant bulbs in the garden and get it the look we want to enjoy.
PLANT BULBS IN THE GARDEN: KEYS TO YOUR DESIGN
When looking for bulbs to plant in the fall or spring, it is essential to have a few things clear before doing so. And it is that, although they are extremely grateful plants that demand rather little, let us not lose sight of the fact that they also have very specific demands. The first of all: the planting place. With few exceptions, not only is it essential that it be sunny, but it must also be protected from the wind. It is also important that the substrate is well aerated and has good drainage. Two details that, although they may seem secondary, are essential for the bulbs to develop correctly.
In addition to this, there is another important aspect when we talk about planting bulbs in the garden and that is also essential for its correct development. Respecting the planting depth and the space between bulbs is key so that they can grow correctly. Something that we must take to the letter so that they can flourish correctly.
Apart from these tips for planting bulbs, let’s see the essential tips for planting bulbs in the garden from an aesthetic point of view. A way to beautify our space but, above all, to make use of its advantages.
1. Make your own bulb calendar before planting
Fundamental! Just take a look at this calendar to realize that it is not a minor detail when planting bulbs in the garden. The flowering times of each one of them allow us, precisely, to manage the appearance of our green space at our whim. Or, put another way, to have beautiful blooms for much of the year.
For this reason, and just as important as choosing bulbs, it is to do so according to their seasonality. A way to combine blooms typical of cold months with others of spring or even summer.
2. Choose the way to plant bulbs in the garden according to the effect you want to achieve
When we think of planting bulbs in the garden, the first idea that comes to mind is a perfect row of them in bloom. And yes: there is no doubt that it is a valid option. But it is not the only one.
What do we mean? Well, apart from the classic planting of aligned or staggered bulbs, it is also feasible to plant them in a disorderly manner. If we bet on this style, we will have a garden with a wild aspect since this type of planting is still emulating nature.
3. Take into account color and height
Key code! And not only for aesthetic reasons but also for a practical reason.
When it comes to height, it is essential to know what dimensions each one can reach before planting bulbs in the garden. The reason is simple: those with the highest vertical growth will have to be at the back of the group. If they are planted in the front, they will be taking away light and sun from the smaller ones.
Let’s not leave aside the issue of color either. There are bulbs of cold colors and warm colors. To generate contrast, combine cool colors with warm colors; and to create harmony, the ideal is to use similar colors both in tone and intensity. Beyond flowering, green is a color that is part of any bulb. For this reason and so that the whole is harmonious, in mass plantations of bulbs do not use more than three colors. And another piece of advice: make sure that one of them accounts for 70% of the tone of the space, and assign 15% respectively to each of the two remaining colors.
Color is also important depending on the space we have. If it’s small, single-color bulbs will create a unique optical effect: they’ll make the space bigger. If the planting site is already a good size, a two or three color planting will be effective.
4. Plan the planting areas according to the space and the effect you want to achieve
And we get to the heart of the matter, or how to plant bulbs in the garden so that they visually have the effect we want. As we said before, on an aesthetic level there are different ways to plant bulbs. Opting for one or another style goes, in reality, knowing some tips to get it right depending on the type of plantation we choose.
Let’s see some areas and what is the best option to plant bulbs:
bulbs in mass
It doesn’t matter if the space is big or small. In this case, the ideal is to opt for a single color and a single variety. On a visual level, the impact will be greater. On a practical level, our bulbs will grow at the same time; and their care will be the same.
bulbs in the lawn
Perfect for those who opt for a messy planting, and are looking for a wild effect.
Flower beds or with other plants
A way of directing attention to a certain point. It can be created using only bulbs or by combining them with other seasonal flowers. If we opt to create a mixed bed, the perennials will gain ground when the bulbs begin to bloom.
They are also a perfect option if we consider how to make a rockery in the garden.
Under the trees
A fantastic option, without losing sight of the need to take care of the bulbs’ irrigation needs. Fall bulbs placed under deciduous trees are an interesting alternative because they will add visual interest when the tree is devoid of foliage or flowers.
borders
Ideal if we want to create a visual line around a path or other already planted plants. In addition to rows, it is advisable to combine bulbs of different sizes even among the perennial plants in the space.
5. Play with pots, another way to plant bulbs in the garden
No: enjoying bulbs in pots is not exclusive of planting bulbs in the garden. What’s more: by strategically placing our pots, we will be able to give the space greater dynamism in terms of volumes.
But it is not the only reason to combine bulbs planted in soil with others in these containers. Knowing how to plant bulbs in pots by levels, we can enjoy several simultaneous blooms or not in the same space. Something that, although we can also apply to bulbs planted in the ground, is easier to apply in these containers.
And now that you know these five keys to planting bulbs in the garden, don’t wait: start designing your own!