Despite the country looking more like a desert and not the green and pleasant lands we are used to, autumn is only just over six weeks away. As usual, we will have to wait on Mother Nature to restore balance. We just need to be patient and flexible. Let us hope that when it comes we get nice soft rain, the best for your garden.
On the subject of rain, I read that England’s water leakage is in the region of 3 billion litres per day, an enormous amount when you think about it in everyday terms. It represents about 1 in every 5 litres put into supply and is equivalent to the daily water use of tens of millions of people. My poor garden could certainly do with some of that.
On to more cheery thoughts, Adrian has just about finished updating our growing advice pages, really worth a read when making your order. The coverage of some of the less common bulbs is particularly interesting. Apart from traditional plantings, many of these bulbs can be grown indoors in water. A great project for the grandchildren.
Growing Bulbs in Water
If you want to have a go, choosing the right vase is important. Without the stabilizing strength of soil, some of the taller varieties can tend to flop over, never good. Use a container at least half as tall as the flowers; this will allow sufficient support. Alternatively, fill the bottom of the container with pebbles or glass beads; the roots will grow into the pebble and water mixture while the bulb stays high and dry. Turn the container regularly to make sure the plants grow straight and do not lean towards the light. Very briefly:
- Keep the containers in a cool dark room until the roots have formed and the bulbs begin to shoot. A dark cupboard or cellar is ideal.
- The base of the bulb should be just above the water level.
- Add charcoal to the water to prevent it going sour.
- Do not rush the bulbs into flower. Most are native to cooler mountainous regions and need cool conditions to fully develop their root systems.
- Once the flower bud is well out of the neck of the bulb, gradually introduce light and warmth.
Enjoy your garden,
Paul Blom