Create a Tranquil Garden: Planting Bulb Lasagnes and More

1 - Transform Your Outdoor Space with Bulb Lasagnes

Creating a bulb lasagne is an exciting way to ensure your garden bursts with colour from spring to early summer. This layered planting technique allows you to enjoy a variety of blooms throughout the season.

The Perfect Recipe for Bulb Lasagnes

To create your bulb lasagne, you'll need a simple mix:

• 2 parts peat-free compost

• 1 part topsoil

• 1 part horticultural grit

  
  

Choosing Your Bulbs

For this project, I recommend using:

• Narcissus 'Tete Boucle'

• Tulipa 'Queensland'

  
  

These larger bulbs can be paired with smaller flowers like:

• Puschkinia scilloides

• Crocus tommasinianus 'Barr's Purple'

  
  

As the Narcissus fades, the Tulips will take centre stage, providing vibrant colour. For early summer blooms, consider adding:

• Allium 'Nigrum'

• Allium 'Purple Sensation'

  
  

These can be beautifully complemented by Muscari.

Planting Instructions

When planting, layer the bulbs according to size. Place the larger bulbs about 10cm from the top and the smaller ones around 5cm from the top. If you have larger Allium bulbs, plant them below the Narcissus and Tulips for a stunning display.

2 - Take Hardwood Cuttings for Free Plants

Taking hardwood cuttings is a fantastic way to expand your garden without spending a penny. It's the perfect time to do this, ensuring you have extra plants ready for next year's garden.

Using Root Powder

While I often use root powder to encourage growth, don't worry if you don't have it. Just keep an eye on your compost to ensure it stays moist.

The Recipe for Success

For your cuttings, use the same medium recipe:

• 2 parts peat-free compost

• 1 part topsoil

• 1 part horticultural grit

  
  

3 - Divide Your Herbaceous Perennials

Now is a great time to divide your herbaceous perennials, such as ornamental grasses and irises. This not only promotes the health of the plants but also gives you extra ones for free!

Benefits of Dividing Plants

Dividing plants can rejuvenate them, allowing for better growth and more blooms. Plus, you get to enjoy the satisfaction of expanding your garden.

Medium Recipe for Dividing

Stick with the proven medium recipe:

• 2 parts peat-free compost

• 1 part topsoil

• 1 part horticultural grit

  
  

4 - Plant Lawn Bulbs for a Spring Display

Planting lawn bulbs is a delightful way to create a colourful spring display. Consider using:

• Galanthus (Snowdrops)

• Crocus tommasinianus

  
  

Planting Tips

Plant these bulbs just below the surface of the grass in clusters. The sight of snowdrops bursting through a snow-covered lawn is simply spectacular!

5 - Prepare Your Lawn for Winter

Preparing your lawn for winter is essential for a healthy garden next year. Start by scarifying with a leaf rake, then aerate using a fork.

Top Dressing Mix

For your top dressing, combine:

• Sand

• Compost

• Topsoil

  
  

Mix well and add some lawn fertiliser. I personally recommend using Phostrogen organic lawn food for the best results.

Conclusion

Gardening is a journey, and each step brings us closer to creating our own tranquil outdoor spaces. By planting bulb lasagnes, taking hardwood cuttings, dividing perennials, and preparing our lawns, we nurture not just our gardens but also our connection with nature. Let's embrace the beauty of each season and cultivate our green havens together.