As summer comes to an end and autumn sweeps in, it's time for green-fingered enthusiasts to start planning their spring gardens. From September to November, the soil is still warm enough to plant bulbs, giving them ample time to establish roots before winter sets in. For those looking to make their gardening tasks easier next year, planting now will ensure a vibrant display of colourful blooms come spring.
Bulb plants are not only easy to grow but also attract early pollinators, giving your garden a head start when spring arrives. The general rule of thumb is to plant bulb flowers with their shoot facing upwards, at a depth two to three times their size. For a more visually pleasing display, plant them in large groups.
Hyacinths One of the most beautiful flowers to plant right now is the Hyacinth. Known for their fragrant scent and variety of colours - purple, blue, pink and yellow - Hyacinths can add a burst of colour to any garden. Be careful though, as Hyacinth seeds spread easily.
If you don't want them taking over your garden, it's best to plant them in a pot or window box. They thrive in direct sunlight and do not fare well in the shade. Andrew Gaumond, a botanist and director of content at Petal Republic, shared his expertise on the best time to plant hyacinths, advising garden enthusiasts to get them in the ground about a month before the first frost.
He emphasised the importance of location, and reccommends putting them beside garden paths or in front of garden beds .