Charles Hogarth Landscapes, a leading designer of imaginative bespoke gardens advises on the use of spring flowering bulbs for adding colour, structure and scent to gardens

Charles Hogarth Landscapes, a leading designer of imaginative bespoke gardens based in Tring, Hertfordshire shares tips on planting bulbs for continuous colour. Charles Hogarth Landscapes is an award-winning garden landscaping and maintenance company with over 20 years experience of transforming gardens. It specialises in water features, lighting schemes and irrigation systems and has an experienced and professional garden maintenance, design and build team. Charles Hogarth Landscapes is an active member of the Association of Professional Landscapers, a national body raising standards for garden landscaping.

For more information visit: www.charleshogarth.co.uk, or call: 01442 890985.

Planting bulbs for continuous colour

The value of bulbs for adding colour, structure and scent can sometimes be overlooked as they may not have the same appeal in the garden centre as plants in full flower. However, it is spring flowering bulbs that wake up the garden after winter and bring a sense of optimism and cheer that the warmer weather is on its way. Some careful planning in September will give a succession of colour from late winter and early spring through to summer.

Allow bulbs, particularly daffodils, Narcissus and bluebells to naturalise in grass, creating bold swathes of colour. It does mean the grass has to be left uncut till the beginning of June to allow the goodness back into the bulb, but the display is well worth the temporary 'unkempt' look. For producing stunning flower shape and scent is Narcissus x odorus plenus - a scented short variety that also works well in the front of shrub borders and in pots. Combine blue or purple and yellow for a traditional spring welcome.

If looking for architecture in the garden, the tall majestic Fritillaria imperialis should not disappoint. They add warmth and drama to any planting scheme - just give them room to show off. Alliums are also useful for interplanting in herbaceous borders to add interest while the rest of the border comes to life. For more subtle architecture try the ornamental onion Nectaroscordum siculum - an exotic looking allium that flowers lilac white in May and June to fill the gap between main bulbs and perennials.

Shrubs, trees and herbaceous perennials

Always plant bulbs immediately after buying them to give them the best start - and don't be tempted to spread them out too much. The display is much more effective when planted close together randomly in clumps. A general guide is to plant bulbs at two and half times their own depth (although foxtail lilies should be planted with the crown just below the ground). When flowering is over, give them a general liquid feed and don't cut the leaves until they are dead, to ensure a good display next year. Bulbs are just one element of a whole host of shrubs, trees and herbaceous perennials that when planned carefully can create a haven of beauty and tranquillity all year round. Autumn is the perfect time to plant to allow time to establish before the hot summer.

For more information visit: www.charleshogarth.co.uk, or call: 01442 890985.

About Charles Hogarth Landscapes

Charles Hogarth Landscapes is an award-winning designer of imaginative bespoke gardens based in Tring, Hertfordshire. Charles Hogarth Landscapes transforms gardens through its landscaping services that cover the full design, build and maintenance stages of creating a beautiful and practical garden.

Charles Hogarth Landscapes has been designing and building quality bespoke gardens for over 20 years and specialises in water features, garden lighting schemes, irrigation systems and creative terraces and timberwork. Charles uses his horticultural expertise and flair for effective planting schemes to create beautiful and original gardens to relax in - each one unique to the owner.

Charles Hogarth Landscapes has an experienced and professional garden maintenance, design and build team covering Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Thames Valley and the Home Counties and is an active member of the Association of Professional Landscapers, a national body raising standards for garden landscaping.

Contact Details

Charles Hogarth

Phone: 01442 890985
Email: admin@charleshogarth.co.uk
Web: www.charleshogarth.co.uk

Wisselli House
Dunsley Place
Tring
Herts, HP23 6JL

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