The Times Weekend - UK (2021-11-13)

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Dig a hole a

minimum triple

the depth of

the bulb. If in

doubt, plant

a little deeper

5

6

7

In spring (with those few that are relia-

bly perennial), when the flowerheads

have finished, allow the foliage to die back

naturally to maximise the energy that is

stored in the bulb.

Potted bulbs

Tulips make excellent pot displays,

giving you a shot of colour precisely

where you want it. Use three parts

multipurpose compost to one part

grit for one-off displays. For more per-

manent container planting, add some

fine loamy soil. Plant a lot closer than

you would in the ground, about one

bulb width between each bulb, but not

touching each other. One-off spring dis-

play bulbs can be placed into shady areas

because all the energy has been pre-stored

in the bulb.

Joe’s favourite tulips

to plant now

1 ‘West Point’ (Lily)

A strong, clean yellow helps to define

its lovely lily form when grown

against a green backdrop. Or combine

with a deep purple for contrast.

Height 50cm.

2 ‘Spring Green’ (Viridiflora)

May flowering. Works well on its own

or to set off more showy colours. Ivory

white and green feather petals. Reliably

perennial. Height 50cm.

3 ‘Negrita’ (Triumph)

A deep purple with deep beetroot

where summer bedding takes over; plant-
ed as distinct bold groups in borders for a
seasonal accent colour; or, as I love to use
them, in large quantities in drifts across
beds, even entire small gardens if possible.

Buying bulbs
Avoid any that are damaged, soft or shriv-
elled and look for very firm bulbs. If you
get them delivered, plant within a week or
two of buying.

How to plant
November is ideal, when the cold weather
has set in. This helps to avoid fungal dis-
eases such as the dreaded tulip fire. You
can then plant tulips up until the first
proper frosts. As a rule, dig a hole a mini-
mum triple the depth of the bulb (once
planted at the bottom it ends up with dou-
ble the amount of soil on top). If in doubt,
plant a little deeper. On heavy soils, add
some grit to the bottom of the hole to stop
the bulb sitting directly on wet soil
through winter.

veining giving it real depth. Looks good

combined with a pastel pink or white

variety. Height 50cm.

4 ‘Apricot Parrot’

Creamy peach-flowered petals with

green stripes and flame-coloured

edges to the petals. Height 45cm.

5 ‘Abu Hassan’ (Triumph)

Goblet-shaped mahogany flowers

with golden yellow edges.

Height 50cm.

6 ‘China Pink’

Lily-flowered tulip with a smooth, even,

satin pink colour and interesting reflex

petals. Height 50cm.

7 ‘Black Swan’

A tall, moody, deep maroon colour that

would work well alongside a lighter,

brighter tulip. Height 60cm.

8 ‘Prinses Irene’ (Triumph)

A classic. Pale orange with a purple

flame. Short and stocky, so ideal in

containers. Height 30cm.

9 Tulipa acuminata

A delicate-looking yet reliable

perennial. Narrow yellow petals with

flamed red tips. Plant in short grass or

grow in a well-drained pot. Height 50cm.

10 ‘Jan Reus’

A fabulous deep crimson Triumph

tulip that flowers from late April

onwards. Height 50cm.

Weeder’s

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10

Dog’s-tooth violet

(erythronium) and

fritillary (fritillaria) bulbs

quickly turn mouldy out

of the soil. Plant them as

soon as you get them.

Choosing a new spade

or garden fork? Stainless

steel is more expensive

but good for lazy

gardeners. It remains

smooth and efficient for

ever, even if it’s always

put away with wet soil

stuck to it; ordinary bare

steel gradually rusts,

making it harder to push

through the soil, and

as more soil sticks to it

it’s harder to clean.

Whether you leave

wooden garden

furniture out or bring

it in for the winter, now

is a good time to scrub

it free of algae and put

on a coat of oil. After

cleaning, take it under

cover for a couple of

days to dry off before

oiling. If it is to

overwinter outdoors

on paving, stand the

feet on slips of slate or

plastic so they do not

constantly absorb water

from the ground.

Although you can plant

fruit trees at the same

time as any other tree,

now is a good time to

plant those intended

for particularly careful

training (espaliers,

step-overs etc). Planting

now allows maximum

root establishment by

spring, which means the

first shoots, which will

form the basis of the

plant’s new structure, are

strong and vigorous. Bury

a piece of perforated pipe

or a bottomless plastic

bottle among the roots,

so you can water deep

during that first summer

if necessary.

Gardening organisations

want everyone to buy

plastic water butts right

now. If you’re thinking

of getting one, think

big. The usual 210-litre

barrel will give you

only two 10-litre cans a

day for ten days from

full. That’s nothing,

especially if you’re into

grow-bags and lots of

patio pots. Plan carefully.

Find repurposed

containers. SA

‘We skeltered down the hillside through a

quarry of black cliffs where jackdaws glided

in and out of the cracks that held their nests’

Christopher Somerville’s good walk

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S&O, ANNIE GREEN-ARMYTAGE, JOHN GLOVER/GAP PHOTOS; ALAMY; GETTY IMAGES