Bulbs for Spring

Dig It - Discussions on Gardening Topics

Show Notes for Spring Bulbs with Ian Clark

In this podcast we talk to Ian Clark, Business Manager from Taylors Bulbs. Our chat covers the history and overview of Taylors Bulbs, a look at the commercial aspects of growing bulbs in the field and how spring bulbs continue to rise in popularity with gardeners.

Ian discusses the best ways of growing bulbs, how bulbs can help and encourage wildlife into the garden and the best bulbs for indoor forcing and scent.

New bulb introductions are discussed, plus a look at how you can maximise your bulb displays using the lasagne method of growing and the fact that these bulbs can be upcycled for future years.

Dig It hosts Peter Brown and Chris Day look at popular spring bulbs including the history of the humble Daffodil, sharing a reading of the famous William Wordsworth’s poem ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’, more details on how to create the perfect lasagne planting, plus some tips on prolonging your cut daffodil flowers.

A look at the Dutch bulb growing industry, including the inspirational garden at Keukenhof, and our pick of the best UK snowdrop gardens also features.

Bulbs mentioned (available in store): Allium ‘Purple Sensation’, Anemone blanda Blue (Flower Bulb of the Year 2022), Camassia, Colchicums (naked ladies), Crocus hybrids, Crocus sativus (Saffron Crocus, autumn flowering), Fritillaria Crown Imperials – ‘Aurora’ and ‘Lutea Maxima’. Galanthus (Snowdrops). Narcissi ‘Carlton’, ‘February Gold’, ‘Fortune’ (Daffodil of the Year 2022), N. obvallaris (Tenby Daffodil, RHS AGM), N. Poeticus plenus ‘Tamar Double’, N. pseudonarcissus lobularis (Lent lily), N. ‘W P Milner’ and N. ‘Tête-à-tête’. Nectaroscordum Siculum (honey lily). Tulips including ‘Angelique’, ‘Red Riding Hood’, Darwin Hybrids (Impression range), T. ‘Lilac Wonder’, ‘Triumph’, ‘Honky Tonk’ and ‘Praestans’.

Cutting garden contenders: Tulips, Dahlias, Lilies and Gladioli (short varieties perfect for pots and smaller gardens).

Prepared (heat treated) bulbs for earlier indoor growing: Hyacinths, Narcissi ‘Paperwhite’, Amaryllis, Muscari (grape hyacinths) and Tulips.

Fragrant bulbs: Hyacinths, Tulips (Paeony types such as ‘Antraciet’)

Bee friendly bulbs RHS Plants for Pollinators: Alliums, Crocus, Nectaroscordum, Muscari, single flowered dahlias and Snowdrops.

Plants mentioned: Winter hardy bedding plants including Violas and Pansies for top planting.

Best feed for bulbs after flowering: Organic Tomato Food

Taylors You Tube video demonstrating lasagne planting.

Music by Chiltern Music Therapy

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