BULB bonanza

Plant bulbs now to light up your garden from late winter to spring

- CHRIS MORLEY

Unassuming bulbs magically explode with colour in spring. Whatever outdoor space you have, there’s a bulb to make it sing – from graceful snowdrops, jewelled crocuses and scilla, to bold daffs and glamorous tulips.

Plant now (leave tulips until November to avoid fungal disease) in pots, beds and grass, and savour the anticipation of seeing them strut their stuff next year.

How to layer bulbs

Create a changing display in a single pot by layering bulbs that flower at different times.

• Choose a container that’s 30-45cm deep and wide for three to five layers.

• Put a few crocks at the base for drainage and add compost.

• Arrange the biggest, latest-flowering bulbs in a circle, a bulb’s width apart.

• Cover with compost and continue layering, until the smallest, earliest flowering bulbs are just below the top surface.

• Finish with a layer of gravel.

Golden days