26th October 2023 • The HERALD • Page 55 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v ✿ DOWN THE GARDEN PATH ✿ SPADEWORK Family Landscaping & Fencing Team ] Decking & Natural Sandstone Paving ] Patios ] Driveways ] Block Paving ] Turfing ] All Types of Domestic & Commercial Fencing ] Security Fencing Supplied & Fitted Tel: (023) 8089 4909 Mobile: 07703 566814 u Free Estimates u Fully Insured All Aspects of Garden Work Undertaken • Driveways • Paving • Artificial Grass • Turfing • Decking • Fencing • Hedge Cutting • Landscaping Hythe Garden Contractors Family company established 1977 For a free quotation please call 023 8084 3556 or 023 8084 0378 Smithwood Landscaping Professional Gardening & Landscaping • Garden Redesign • Astro Turf • Trees & Shrubs Carefully Pruned • Rockeries Designed • Fencing • Ground Cover • Seasonal Tidy Ups No Job Too Small as I am a Local Gardener Any advice over the phone is freely given Contact Gary (Master Landscaper) 07707 433194 • All types of trees expertly felled, topped & pruned • Stump Grinding • Hedges pruned & trimmed • Lawns Laid • Fencing & garden work • Rubbish Clearance • Patios & drives jet-washed • Patios & Drives resurfaced or replaced Registerd Waste Carrier Licence CBDU374716 H Fully Insured H Evening: 01794 522092 Daytime Mobile: 07946 513633 Email: treefellers@gmx.com A Guide to Planting Spring Bulbs in the Autumn Haskins Garden Centre’s in-house horticulturalist, Alasdair Urquhart, shares his top tips to ensure your spring garden flourishes holly planted into the soil. Not only will the prickly leaves deter these pests, it will also mark the area in which your bulbs are planted so they don’t get disturbed when you’re weeding.” For more information on Haskins Garden Centres please visit: www.haskins.co.uk October is the perfect month to plant your spring owering bulbs. Planting in the autumn months gives time for the bulbs to establish so that they can ower at the right time the following spring. Whilst it appears that not much is going on above ground, they will be establishing a strong root system so that when the temperatures drop, they can take full advantage of the cold exposure to create the hormonal changes needed to form their owers. Go natural: If you are looking to plant bulbs into lawns or under trees, the natural look will always work best. Alasdair advises, “The secret is to introduce some randomness by scattering a good handful of bulbs across your chosen area and plant them where they land. When they flower the following year, your bulbs will look like they’ve always lived there, creating a natural, scattered effect that will suit your garden space.” Maximise colour: Bulbs ower from February to May with the general sequence being crocus, da odil then tulip. ere are some varieties of bulbs that will ower out of sequence and a warm micro-climate can speed up the succession. Alasdair says, “It’s not unusual to see container-grown tulips flowering in January or February if they are in a sheltered, sunny spot. If you want your Tulips in May rather than April, delay planting until late October into November. Bulbs can be layered in pots to create a lasting display. The secret is to choose varieties that flower in different months and then plant them at their correct depth. Bulbs usually need to be planted at a depth of 2.5 times the bulb height – the depth for an average daffodil is around 15cm. Plant the largest bulbs first, add some soil, then plant the next layer until the smallest are close to the top of the pot. By doing this, you will have created a lasagne effect of bulbs, which will really stand out in your garden when they blossom in the springtime.” Plant in bulk: When planting in borders, 25-50 bulbs will create an impressive display. Alasdair explains, “The secret is to plant to the style of your garden. If your garden has a cottage style, then a little randomness in the positioning will allow for a more naturalistic look. If you have a contemporary, architectural garden, then planting in blocks or in grids will be more appropriate. When planting in pots, use 5-7 bulbs per layer for medium-sized pots and more for larger pots, troughs, and containers. Odd numbers will always look more aesthetic to the eye and will ensure a good display of colour.” Keep colours simple: With the variety of bulbs available, it’s easy to overplant and deny your bulbs the chance to have impact in your garden. Alasdair suggests, “When you select bulbs for your garden, stick to two contrasting colours or colours in the same part of the spectrum. Simplicity should be the goal of your design. The most dramatic displays work because they have been kept simple rather than made complicated. The main rule of thumb is to contrast or complement. Yellow daffodils look great against the violets and blues of bluebells. Orange or red tulips also look great when combined with pale blue grape hyacinths. For a calmer complementary scheme, try tulips in gentle hues such as lilac or soft pink against white. For a more contemporary look, combine black tulips with soft pink or if you’re feeling bold, orange.” Protect your bulbs from pests: A er all your hard work in choosing the right plants and colour schemes, you’ll want to protect your investment. Alasdair says, “Bulbs can be a source of food for hungry squirrels and foxes over a lean winter. The best way to deter them is by using sprigs of Alliums
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