Bulbs

welshcake

I know it's early to start a bulb discussion but I didn't get around to it last year so am starting to plan now.  I have a long area of garden (about 6-7 metres) where I want to plant layers of bulbs and have flowers as long as possible across the year.  There's a picket fence in front of the area that is about 30cm high so the flowers will need to be high enough to show above it.  I definitely want daffodils in there and I love irises too but what else would you knowledgeable people suggest?  Also, is there anywhere you recommend for buying bulbs?  I've tended to pick up packs randomly in B&Q or my local garden centre but results have been really mixed.  Thanks

steephill

Leucojum aestivum - summer snowflake. I got mine from Farmer Gracy (GW competition prize!).

Pianoplayer

Since you are trying to fill a large area, then large sacks from your local GC might be the most cost-effective source. However, I have had some lovely varieties from Broadleigh bulbs:
https://broadleigh.dejager.co.uk

Plantminded

What is the soil like in your border @welshcake and is the border sunny or shaded and sheltered or exposed? 

Fairygirl

Irises need a good bit of exposure to sun during summer to ripen the rhizomes, if you're meaning Bearded Irises, rather than the little ones [reticulata] which are grown from bulbs, or the Dutch ones which florists use. The sibirica types are different again in their requirements, so it would depend which Irises you mean 
There's a huge number of varieties of daffodil/narcissus, so you can have them flowering from early in the year until now. Tulips need a sunny site and well drained soil, so it depends on the aspect and the soil, as @Plantminded says.
You could also have lilies for height, and they're summer flowering rather than spring. Gladioli of varying types too- the little Acidantheras provide late colour, but they all need protection. There's a couple of hardier ones though. 
I use Peter Nyssen for most of my bulbs.

welshcake

Plantminded said:

What is the soil like in your border @welshcake and is the border sunny or shaded and sheltered or exposed? 

Sorry, I should have mentioned that in my original post!  The border gets the sun most of the day and it's a pretty sheltered location.  Soil is very clay like but it does drain and I don't have problems growing other plants in that area.  If it needs some improving for certain bulbs, I'll have time to sort that.  Thanks  

welshcake

Pianoplayer said:

Since you are trying to fill a large area, then large sacks from your local GC might be the most cost-effective source. However, I have had some lovely varieties from Broadleigh bulbs:
https://broadleigh.dejager.co.uk

Thanks @Pianoplayer, I'll have a look at that website.  Good idea about large sacks too.  I think it will end up being a lot of bulbs!

Plantminded

That sounds fine for most bulbs @welshcake.  Tulips prefer well draining soil so you may need to add extra organic content to improve the texture.  Other tall bulbs worth growing are Alliums and Fritillaria imperialis for spring colour.

There's a good list of what to plant and when here:

Complete Guide to Planting Bulbs - BBC Gardeners World Magazine

welshcake

Fairygirl said:

Irises need a good bit of exposure to sun during summer to ripen the rhizomes, if you're meaning Bearded Irises, rather than the little ones [reticulata] which are grown from bulbs, or the Dutch ones which florists use. The sibirica types are different again in their requirements, so it would depend which Irises you mean 
There's a huge number of varieties of daffodil/narcissus, so you can have them flowering from early in the year until now. Tulips need a sunny site and well drained soil, so it depends on the aspect and the soil, as @Plantminded says.
You could also have lilies for height, and they're summer flowering rather than spring. Gladioli of varying types too- the little Acidantheras provide late colour, but they all need protection. There's a couple of hardier ones though. 
I use Peter Nyssen for most of my bulbs.

Thanks @Fairygirl.  I typically think of the daffodils that come out in March, hadn't considered various types that might flower later and being in Wales, it would be nice to have a selection.  I've got quite a bit of depth so as well as planting in layers under the ground, I could also consider planting in rows in that space so maybe as some are dying back, a new row could be coming through behind/in front.  Good idea to think about different heights too and also thanks for the heads up about hardiness, I'll bear that in mind when I make a selection.  Good job I've started thinking about it now - it could take me all summer to plan Thanks also for the bulb supplier, I'll have a look at that website too.

welshcake

steephill said:

Leucojum aestivum - summer snowflake. I got mine from Farmer Gracy (GW competition prize!).

Thanks Steephil, just Googled and they are really pretty.  I'll have a look at the website too 

welshcake

Plantminded said:

That sounds fine for most bulbs @welshcake.  Tulips prefer well draining soil so you may need to add extra organic content to improve the texture.  Other tall bulbs worth growing are Alliums and Fritillaria imperialis for spring colour.

Thanks @Plantminded.  I do love alliums but none came up the last time I planted them in a pot.  Could have just been a poor batch so maybe I'll give them a go again.  Just Googled the Fritillaria Imperialis - they are really pretty too.