VALLEY G A R D EN ING


BEST OF THE BUNCH - CROCUS These pretty pint-sized bulbs with


goblet-shaped flowers bring a burst of colour to the garden in spring in shades varying from white and cream to yeliow, pink and purple. They look very effective in drifts at the front of a mixed or herbaceous border, naturalised in grass or in a rock garden. Spring-fiowerjng varieties shouid be planted in the autumn and autumn-flowering ones in late summer. Most prefer gritty, well- drained soil in full sun. Good varieties for naturalising include F. Albus, a


BLAZE OF GLORY: Crocosmia Lucifer.


summer-flowering bulbs for a riot of colour which will last you through the warmer months and into autumn. Pianting summer-flowering buibs,


T


such as lilies and gladioli, can provide dramatic effects in summer, as they offer height, structure, colour and often fragrance all in one go - with little maintenance. Summer-flowering bulbs need a bit


more care than spring ones. Lilies should be planted in early spring before the bulbs dry out, while dahlias, cannas and begonias are not frost-hardy, and are better started-off in pots indoors, and then put out when all danger of frost has passed. If you haven't stored your dahlias


over the winter, you might want to invest in some new ones. The size of tubers varies hugely and it doesn't always follow that the bigger the tuber, the bigger the flower. They will also need protection from


frost and should be stored in a cool, airy place until you plant them. Anyone who likes begonias shouid


be scouring the garden centres now for new varieties. When buying them make sure they feei firm, and scratch the skin of the tuber to reveal a fleshy pink or gold interior. If the inside is brown, the tuber is dead.


iM


EYE-CANDY: Gladiolus Charming Beauty.


he first daffodils may barely be out, but already you should be thinking towards buying your


Begonias have received a bad


press over the years, with images of garish, blousy flowers in plastic containers in retirement homes. However, there are some amazing,


unusual varieties, including B boliviensis, which looks more exotic than a traditional begonia. Its slender, fluted, reddish-orange flowers look great hanging from a compact bush and contrasting well with the medium green, serrated foliage. You can fill a pot or hanging basket


with just one plant, and they do best in humus-rich, free-draining soil in sun, or partial shade. Take them inside to beat the frosts over winter. Sow seeds of B. boliviensis now, or


wait for pot-ready plants to become be available from around April. Lilies can be purchased in autumn,


winter or early spring. They should be kept cold until you plant them. If you're thinking about late


summer, Crocosmia "Lucifer" has been crowned 2010 Summer Bulb of the Year by industry professionals. Crocosmia grow very upright and to a height of about one metre, producing clumps of dense iris-like foliage along bronze green arching stems. One of the small-flowering


varieties, it is hardier than other crocosmia, making it the perfect flower for beginners and for gardens in cooler regions. Elsewhere in the garden, it creates structure and a burst of bright colour when it flowers between June and the end of August. Different bulbs need different soil


types, but summer bulbs generally like a warm, sunny position. Free- draining soii is important as bulbs are susceptible to rotting. Hardy summer buibs which don't


need iifting, such as aliiums and crocosmia, are better off planted in the autumn, while more tender types such as gladioli, dahlias, cannas and callas, are started off in spring. The Royal Horticultural Society


offers these tips for successful bulb­ growing in containers: ■ For bulbs that are going to spend


only one season in their container, use three parts multi-purpose


miss & SHRUBS EASTiR QPm WEilCiND cloughbottom


SUPER STARBURST: Dahlia Langresse.


compost to one part grit. For long­ term container displays, use three parts John Innes No 2 compost to one part grit; ■ Plant at three times their depth


and one bulb width apart; ■ Water the bulbs regularly when


in active growth, but you can reduce watering once the leaves start to die down and then through the dormant season. However, continue to check pots in winter, ensuring they do not dry out compietely.; ■ To promote good flowering next


year, feed the bulbs every seven to 10 days with a high-potassium fertiiiser, such as a iiquid tomato feed. Begin feeding as soon as shoots appear, aiid stop feeding once the foliage starts to die down at the end of the season.


■ pure white variety; C. Chrysanthus 'E.A. Bowles', a lemon-yellow type; C. Tommasinianus; and the glossy violet Dutch crocus C. Vernus "Remembrance". WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK ■ Plant early potatoes under


fleece; ■ Start dahlia tubers either by


buying new or bringing out last year's from winter storage, putting them on a cool windowsill, and watering them; ■ Pinch out the tips of sweet peas


to create bushy, compact plants rather than tall, leggy ones; ■ Cover seed beds with cloches


and fleece to warm up the soil; ■ Continue to harvest early-


sprouting broccoli, parsnips, Welsh onions, leeks and kale; ■ Plant anemone, ranunculis,


peonies, gladiolus and tiger lilies in groups in open borders. Plant primroses; ■ Divide clumps of perennials that


are too large, if the ground is soft enough; ■ Prune dogwood, which can be


cut back hard, down to ground level. This will encourage it to produce brightly-coloured new shoots that will provide interest next winter; ■ Top dress older shrubs with


compost or mulch; ■ Fork, brush and aerate the lawn


frequently, filling aerated holes with sharp sand, if weather permits; ■ Keep seedlings up to the light in


the greenhouse to produce short, healthy plants.


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