You might remember me mentioning last week that I’d been ordering tulips, so just to remind you, you still have several weeks to plant the bulbs if you haven’t already. As they originate in the Middle East (not in Holland – the Dutch are just brilliant at growing and breeding them ), they really need baking heat in summer, after the flower and foliage has yellowed and died down, in order to flower the following year. (Don’t we all. ) This not always being forthcoming in Northern Europe, for every dozen you plant you could be lucky if two or three bother to show up in year two. That said, nothing else makes such a colourful display in late spring – so if you’re thinking of indulging, here are a few suggestions.
A meander through a bulb seller’s website reveals some enchanting names – ‘Doll’s Minuet’, ‘Peppermint Stick’ and ‘Velvet Lily’ conjure up visions of loveliness. But you have to feel sorry for the likes of ‘Gudoshnick Double’, ‘Jacuzzi’ and ‘Teletubby’ – no doubt chosen with care by their proud breeders, but the poor flowers must be mortified when growing alongside their more elegantly named sisters.
Some undoubtedly like it hot, and if you do, orange ‘Ballerina’ could be for you, with ‘Brown Sugar’ and ‘Prinses Irene’ bringing complimentary tones of copper and warm purple.
‘Antraciet’ and ‘Margarita’ are deep raspberry, with ‘Ruby Prince’ and ‘Sky High Scarlet’ (how she holds her head up I don’t know ) in the red corner.
For softer colour schemes, there are some lovely apricots, pinks and whites. ‘Mount Tacoma’ is a gorgeous double or peony-flowered white, while ‘Angelique’ is the exact pink and white of apple blossom. ‘Apricot Beauty’ and ‘Stunning Apricot’ have tones closer to coral.
Whatever colour combination you decide to go for, adding a few stronger, darker coloured accents will really make your scheme stand out – ‘Queen of the Night’, a deep aubergine, is good for this, as is ‘Black Parrot’.
And if you fancy something unusual, try ‘Carneval de Nice’ – white with red candy stripes, it’s pretty as a picture - just the thing to bring a touch of cheer to the spring garden.
.
For a softer colour scheme, choose from the many whites, pinks and apricots.
Anne Byrne Garden Design provides easy to follow Garden Plans that you can implement right away or in stages. Anne’s design flair and passion for plants brings a touch of magic to gardens of all sizes.
Anne Byrne Garden Design – Creative Ideas – Practical Solutions – Stunning Gardens
T: 086 683 8098 E: [email protected] www.annebyrnegardendesign.com
