Creating a Bulb Lasagne
Autumn is the perfect time to start planning ahead to your Spring garden. An abundance of bulb varieties mean that you can create your perfect colour palette of flowers, ready to bloom at the end of Winter.
You may have bulbs that fill every inch of space in borders, dotting through lawns or you may prefer to plant bulbs into containers, making them easier to refresh each year. For blooms and colourful displays that last all Spring long, consider putting together a bulb lasagne. The simple and effective way to ensure colour and interest throughout the season.
Decide on your colour scheme. From sugary lemons and yellows for a classic Springtime feel, to gentle pinks and creams for a calming look. Striking blues are beautiful mixed with highlights of white or yellow and warm orange and reds create a fiery impact. Try mixing a little of everything for a floaty, meadow effect.
So... What is a Bulb Lasagne?
Bulb lasagnes are created with layers of different bulbs that are stacked in a container in Autumn for early shows in Spring. Choose a frost-safe pot or tub, such as terracotta and consider using a wide and shallow pot for a fuller look when flowers bloom. Depending on the size of your container, it’s a good idea to place this in your desired location before you start to fill, as this can become very heavy and difficult to move. Starting with a sprinkling of gravel or pieces of pottery, create good drainage so that the soil doesn’t become saturated with water and risk freezing over the Winter.
How to make your lasagne:
Step 1: Add a good layer of compost on top of the gravel and then place your largest and latest flowering bulbs. Flowering times will be indicated on the packet, and differ from bulb to bulb. Latest blooming will be flowers such as Daffodils and Alliums. Ensure your bulbs are placed with the pointed end facing up on top of the compost layer.
Step 2: Add another layer of compost and then place bulbs such as Tulips and Fritillaries onto your second layer. These flowers will bloom earlier than the base layer. It’s a good idea to place the bulbs in circles to ensure even spread of flowers.
Step 3: After a third layer of compost, the next layer of bulbs to place into your container are the smaller and earlier flowering varieties. Consider using mini Daffodils and fragrant Hyacinths. Once the bulbs are in, cover with compost.
Step 4: Finally, the smallest of your bulbs, these can be planted close to the surface of the soil. Look at using Dwarf Iris, Muscari, Crocus or Anemone’s. Cover with a final layer of compost and your bulb lasagne is ready to go!
You can create real impact in a small space, by filling a few containers of differing sizes with bulbs, use the same varieties in each pot for a balance across your outdoor space. Now all you have to do it wait until Spring arrives!
Visit us in store for lots of bulb varieties, mixed bulb sets containers and more advice on creating a beautiful Spring garden!