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Drifts of bulbs can
create an impact of massed color and bloom. These drifts should be done
with one type of bulb -- all in the same color. Tulips, daffodils, and
hyacinths are ideal for this type of presentation.
In selecting bulbs
for drifting, it would be a good idea to choose early, medium, and late
season varieties. This way you can have great drifts of color for the
entire season.
For greatest impact, you can’t have too many bulbs. A
good rule of thumb would be at least 10 tulips, 5 hyacinths, 5 daffodils,
or 15 minor bulbs per square foot.
Choose a site where water does
not stand and the soil is not soggy. Well drained soil is essential. A
gentle slope would be the best location. A sunny area would be ideal but
most bulbs will do fine in partial shade. You may plant under deciduous
trees since most bulbs will bloom before the trees leaf out in the
spring.
When planting a mass of bulbs in a large area, it is easiest to
prepare the soil first by digging and loosening it to a depth of 10 to 12
inches. This is also a good time to improve the soil with generous amounts
of Nature’s Yield Organic Compost. Rake the surface smooth and then place
your bulbs. To give your planting a natural look, you can hand-broadcast
the bulbs and plant them where they land. For small bulbs that might get
lost with this technique, you can plant half of them one day, and when you
have quite forgotten where you planted them, plant the second half. For a
good drift effect, try to space the bulbs closer together in the center
and have them wander off at the edges.
A bulb planter is a handy tool
to have for this and other bulb-planting projects. Make your holes to the
recommended depth. Mix a little Hi-Yield® Triple Superphosphate (0-45-0)
into the soil at the bottom of the hole. Place bulbs into the hole flat
side down, cover with soil, and wait for spring. You will be rewarded with
a breathtaking show of
color.
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