At last, the drier weather has allowed for some real gardening. Muscles that have not been used for far too long are complaining. It is a pleasure to be able to walk around the garden observing the new signs of life as they develop rather than trudging through mud.
lilium Fusion, I planted them two years ago, are just starting to show. As you will see from the photograph they will need dividing this autumn. As an extra-large bulb, Fusion offers unparalleled vigour, producing a spectacular and reliable display that justifies the initial outlay many times over. Think of your bulbs as an underground storage structure, good bulbs are essential for producing good strong healthy plants. If you have not already done so, try and make sure you plant your lilies by the end of this month
As said, spring is making its presence felt as the garden comes to life, but there are jobs that need to be done to ensure our bulbs thrive for years to come. Many of the spring bulbs, especially where they have been undisturbed for four or five years, will benefit from lifting and division. Large clumps competing for water and nutrients can lead to a lack of flowers and bulbs coming up “blind”. As a bonus, you get to increase your stocks. For the smaller bulbs, this should be done while they are in “the green”. Many are hard to find if the job is left until the autumn.
Below are the main considerations to bear in mind. • Only divide the clumps when the bulbs have finished flowering.
• This is a job to do when the ground is damp. As far as possible try and lift the bulbs as one clump avoiding any damage to the roots.
• Carefully tease the clumps of bulbs apart by hand keeping as much soil and root structure as possible.
• Prepare the ground thoroughly working in any additional compost as required.
• Ideally, replant singly, spacing them at least two bulb widths’ apart. Where large clumps include small seedlings, replant the bulbs in small clusters.
• Plant to the same depth as before, indicated by a change in stem colour from green to white.
• Water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
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