The weather is just right to get out to that patch of empty garden and plan a gorgeous Spring layout that will bloom gradually over three to four months. The best part about catching a break from freezing temperatures in March is the ability to plant bulbs in the ground just in time for them to bloom in April and May.
Most stores and local farms offer pre-chilled bulbs as a part of their Spring stock. If you are buying from a farm with unlabeled bulbs, you can usually see the appearance of the bud, which is a white to light green or yellow shoot at the top of the bulb. Also check for root growth at the base of the bulb as well. If you are not the patient type you can always purchase perennial bulbs that have already begun to grow.
The first step to planting a beautiful spring garden is a plan. For easy planting, you can layout the bulbs on top of soil before digging holes. This helps you to visualize everything and might prevent a temporary lapse in short term memory… In short, you don’t want to forget what you have planted and where it’s located.
Choose your colors while planning. If you want a botanical-like garden style garden, be sure not to over do it with too much color. Instead, pick three or four colors and pair the bulbs in bunches in a pattern of your choosing. A more organic, woodland theme garden involves choosing multiple species of the same flower and scattering the bulbs out in an irregular rounded shape. For example, use a thick piece of rope or string and make a bean-like shape (or irregular oval) and scatter various types of Daffodils inside the border. Spread each bulb at least 6 inches apart before digging holes to the required depth.
To get the most out of your Spring bulbs, the key is to plant in order of height and bloom timing. For example crocus bulbs are the shortest in height and they begin to bloom in March. Blue Muscari (also called grape hyacinth) usually bloom in April and are just slightly taller than Crocus blooms. Planting these bulbs towards the front of a garden, just after a ground cover, will ensure blooms through the spring months, popping up one after the other.
Inspiration for our Spring Garden and how to create it:
Ground Cover: We began with creeping phlox at both ends of the garden in a triangular pattern. Next we planted Creeping Lamium directly behind the phlox. Brunnera is also a great low lying perennial that will last through the first winter frost.
Front Line: In a zigzag formation, we planted Muscari bulbs (at least 6 inches apart). We dug smaller holes in scattered groups surrounding the Muscari for crocus, bluebells and snowdrops. Glory of the Snows and spring starflowers are fantastic choices for early spring blooms as well.
Optional: Add a few annuals in the front of the garden for accent colors. Pansies are optimal for planting in March and April. You can easily find pre-grown pansies in 6-packs at your local nursery or garden shop in late March.
In the Middle: Start by digging the holes for the late spring bloomers. We planted Allium Ambassadors (these look like giant purple or white cotton balls) in a horizontal infinity like pattern using the center of the garden as the starting point. Next we planted 9 lily flowered tulips on each end of the garden in a narrow triangular pattern. Add other species of Tulips (Single Early Tulip, Parrot & Triumphs) Daffodils, & Hyacinth by arranging each species in groups of 5, 7 or 9.
The Extra Accents:
Big Statements: Towards the back of the garden add large perennials like Peonies and various types of Iris. We planted a “Sarah Bernhardt” Peony last year, but you can buy these bulbs at a garden shop, or leave room for a pre-planted peony (Nurseries usually get in stock by mid April. Opt for a gallon size plant.) Rhododendron and Azaleas are much larger, bush-like evergreens that look excellent on their own or can be used to build a textured contrast towards a focal point of the garden. Add Iris bulbs along the sides of your garden centerpiece. Species like the Bearded Iris are much taller and should be placed further to the back, where the wild blue iris (also yellow) is of medium height and should be placed closer to the middle or sides of the garden.
Optional: Add a medium sized annual burst of color like ranunculus tubers. Nurseries will begin to carry blooming ranunculus in early April. Year round green: Evergreens and small boxwoods are excellent shrubs to add shape and definition to a garden bed. However, adding evergreen flowering perennials to a garden is a fantastic solution to avoid staring at a blank plot of dirt in colder months. Hellebores (also known as the winter rose) and winter heather begin to bloom early in March. Additionally their foliage can withstand the snow. Be sure not to plant Hellebores in direct sunlight, as you may end up cooking their unique leaves.
