BULBS IN SUNNY ASPECT AFTER HARSH WINTER AND EARLY SPRING 2013
While my garden shows signs of recovering after the harsh winter we have just gone through here in West Yorkshire and, indeed, this harsh early spring, it is far behind the colourful display I had at this time last year. It has certainly made it clear how different aspects can have such a great impact on plant growth. For example, the trough facing south, which is exposed to all the elements - lashing wind, rain, and snow coming across the Pennine Mountains - is sporting colourful irises and tulips, and the hyacinths and daffodils are pushing their way through. However, it has to be taken into account that the south-facing trough also must get radiating heat from the white painted windowsill and the brick wall of the house, and possibly any heat that might be escaping through the double-glazed window. In the trough below I have planted 'Johann Strauss' tulips; Iris reticulata 'Harmony'; white (I think) hyacinths and Narcissus 'Minnow'.
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All of these bulbs are relatively short in height, getting taller towards the back of the trough. You can just see the daffodils coming along on the right of the above (right) image. The stems of the tulips seem to lengthen as the flower increases in size. I noticed that with tulips that I grew in the back garden last year, 2012.
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Interestingly, the tulips in troughs in the sunniest part of the back garden, are further behind than Johann Strauss. That might, though, be just a matter of the type of tulips being grown. Perhaps Johann Strauss is more inclined to flower earlier. Feeding the birds has its drawbacks. My tubs are full of germinating birdseed and I will be able to pull it all out, hopefully, once the ground is not quite so frozen. Despite sunshine and that we are heading towards mid April, it is still very, very cold out there.
.JPG)
.JPG)
All of these bulbs are relatively short in height, getting taller towards the back of the trough. You can just see the daffodils coming along on the right of the above (right) image. The stems of the tulips seem to lengthen as the flower increases in size. I noticed that with tulips that I grew in the back garden last year, 2012.
.JPG)
Interestingly, the tulips in troughs in the sunniest part of the back garden, are further behind than Johann Strauss. That might, though, be just a matter of the type of tulips being grown. Perhaps Johann Strauss is more inclined to flower earlier. Feeding the birds has its drawbacks. My tubs are full of germinating birdseed and I will be able to pull it all out, hopefully, once the ground is not quite so frozen. Despite sunshine and that we are heading towards mid April, it is still very, very cold out there.
