I hope you’ve had a good week so far?
Someone asked me this week, “Is it too late for tulips?”
No! Absolutely not.
We get sent bulb catalogues so early these days that, if we haven’t ordered them by now, we start to panic. But the truth is, we don’t even want to be planting tulips for still a few weeks yet.
The only real panic is that your favourites might sell out!
A few years ago, I ordered mine the moment the catalogues landed on the doorstep. The bulbs arrived, I put them away somewhere and promptly forgot all about them. Months later, when the time to plant them finally came around… they’d all gone mouldy. 🙈
So, as far as I’m concerned, now is the time.
I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t even begun choosing mine yet. I think I'll end up getting a bag of each of the ones in my collection with PSD, just to be on the safe side. A real fruit salad!
I’m sharing everything I am planning tulip-wise and want to hear what you’ve gone for the year - same, same or some new colour and varieties? Plus I’m talking about my shoot from this week (Christmas already?!), my new TV obsession and that jumper…
In this week’s dispatch - it’s tulip time, shooting for Christmas (eek!), my MobLand TV obsession and the jumper I cannot take off…
Tulip Time (yes, there’s still time)!
This is the first year I have done autumn seed sowing. And I’ve been so focused on it I haven’t quite sorted out my tulip bulbs until now.
First, you need to plan your spring garden - are you doing bulbs in pots, in borders, full garden beds or a mix of all? What else will the tulips be adjacent to? It pays to plan so it’s a lovely surprise not a shock of any kind when they emerge in spring!
This year, I am going full colour. I went quite gentle last year, lots of pastels and gentle sherberty colours which I loved but now I’m craving a little more pizazz. I designed this collection with this in mind - I love the hotness from the orange Ballerina and Dolls Minuet and then the peachy softness from the Avignon Parrot gives such a joyful balance. So these will go in my pots by the front door.
In the borders, I’m tempted to do something I’ve never done before and just go pink! Not one pink, but a whole tonal mix — Pink and Apricot Impressions, Mystik van Eijk, Dolls Minuet, China Town and possibly a few stripy Marilyns… Thoughts?
I’m slightly worried it might all feel a bit too neat for me and that I’ll miss the clash of Ballerina in there. But maybe I’ll find the whole thing pleasingly organised?!
You can see all my faves here. They never change. I’ve grouped them into five collections colour-wise: Strawberry Minuet, Peachy Ballerina, Green Flash, Starry Striped & Blackcurrant Parfait. But you can also find all my (17) single tulip variety favourites available to purchase now for delivery mid-October.
Once you’ve chosen your picks, here are some planting pointers;
For the best results, aim to plant in November. The cooler soil helps reduce the risk of fungal problems such as tulip fire.
Choose a well-drained spot. Tulips really don’t like sitting in wet soil.
Plant them roughly 2–3 times the height of the bulb, probably around 10–15cm deep and pointy end up.
In borders, I like to plant in groups rather than individually. For a natural-looking display, plant 7–15 bulbs together rather than creating a regimented grid.
Space bulbs around 10–15cm apart as a starting point. You can of course go closer for a more densely packed display.
Cover them with soil and leave them alone. You generally don’t need to water unless conditions are exceptionally dry.
I sometimes scatter holly leaves around the bulbs to deter the squirrels.
And then, wait patiently until spring and feel so proud you did it this year!
PS don’t forget to label, unless you love a surprise!
This knit!
I’ve spoken about her before, but I feel I need to again. Having one or two jumpers on repeat that fit the bill of colour, comfort and that certain something are essential for autumn happiness.
This Liana Chunky Crew Neck Jumper in Aubergine, is the one. She pairs so well with all shades of denim (even the ecru I’m taking over from summer days) and particularly good with gold jewellery and a merlot-hued nail.
