How to Make a Beautiful Bulb Garden

When I lived in the USA, I had a beautiful home with a landscaped front yard which included the most amazing bulb garden.  Each spring and on through the summer months, I would have tulips with the most vibrant colors starting with purple crocus to tulips in a rich buttery yellow.  So, when I came across a photography post of the tulips at the Keukenhoff Gardens in Holland, which by the way, was closed for the first time in 71 years in 2020.  I wanted to be able to share it with you.  Below the photographs, I also include information about growing bulbs, which is a little different from planting seeds, and how to force bulbs to grow in pots so you can have a container bulb garden.

The post about the Keukenhoff Park  interestingly said that the Netherlands had the sunniest year ever in 2020, which caused the flowers to pop up very fast.  Strong light doesn’t always make the best lighting, which became a challenge for the photographer, but I think you will agree with me that he did a fantastic job of capturing these beautiful flowers.

What post of Holland would be complete without a windmill?

A road of grape hyacinths winding through the trees. It looks like a beautiful blue river.

This is a dutch bridge at the right of the park entrance.

I obtained permission from the photographer, Albert, to share these pictures and he said his favorite were these Keukenhoff pools.  He said if you look closely you can see a gardener at work.  So, we are not the only gardeners out tending sweet growing things.

Amazing Smells of Cherry Blossoms

Imagine the smell of this cherry blossom garden.  Even in Malaysia, we have a week or two of cherry blossoms.

This reminded me of following the yellow brick road.

This is a good design for any flower garden.  Patches of flowers along a path enticing a stroll through the trees.

This is a great shot with the tulips reflected in the water.  Albert had over 30 photos of the gardens in his post on BoredPanda.  Which photo did you like the best?  Please leave a comment below.

If you are Inspired, here are the Instructions for your own bulb garden.

Planting Bulbs Gardens in Containers or Outdoors

Most fall-planted bulbs, such as daffodils, tulips, and hyacinth, require a “chilling period” of at least 10-16 weeks prior to sprouting in the spring. These cool temperatures trigger the process inside the bulb which produces growth and causes the plant to flower in the springtime. Not only is the fall season the only correct time to plant these bulbs, but it is also the only time of the year that these bulbs are available for purchase since they are harvested during the summer months.

How To Plant a Bulb Garden

To plant your bulb garden, get some bulbs.

Generally speaking, the more “pointed” end of a bulb should be directed towards the soil surface. In some cases, the “pointed” end of a bulb may be difficult to determine. If this is the case, take your best guess and plant accordingly. If the bulbs are relatively small, it will right itself as it feels the warmth of the spring sun and moisture from the ground but may just take a few extra days to sprout. Planting the bulb two-three times its height in depth is often a good rule of thumb to go by.

A good way to prevent rodents or deer from eating bulbs is to bury a layer of chicken wire over the area. Then cover bulbs with soil. Chicken wire has openings large enough the bulbs can still emerge through but still works quite well at deterring rodents from stealing your crocus bulbs. A sprinkling of dried blood meal will also prevent pests. soil.

Cold Storage For Forcing Bulbs

Determine where you are going to store your bulbs. They require a cold period for sprouting. If you are in a colder climate that has consistent temperatures below 50 degrees in the late fall and winter months you can store them in a cool but sheltered location such as garage, attic, cellar, or shed. In a warmer climate that does not have the cold temperatures outside you will need to refrigerate the bulbs. If your refrigerator also has fruits and vegetables that emit ethylene gases you will want to remove these fruits and vegetables from the refrigerator during this time as it can cause the bulbs to rot.  Tomatoes, apples, pears, melons all give off ethylene.  If you have a spare refrigerator that you do not store fruits and vegetables in, that would be the best place to store your bulbs for forcing. Do not place your bulbs in the freezer, this will result in mushy bulbs once they thaw.

Bulbs like tulips, hyacinth, crocus, and daffodils are great options to force bloom.  Usually, it is best to do this in cooler months so you can have flowers blooming during the year end holidays or if you keep your air conditioner extra cool.

Let Them Chill

Most bulbs need several weeks of cold weather to prepare to bloom. Some, though, such as paperwhites and amaryllis, don’t need to chill at all. The amount of chill time for bulbs ranges from 8 to 16 weeks, so check the label when buying your bulbs to see the appropriate chill time for that selection, or buy the bulbs prechilled. For chilling, bulbs should be kept between 35 and 45 degrees. You can leave them in a dark, cool (but not below freezing) place like a garage, basement, or shed—or you can simulate winter’s chill by storing bulbs in the refrigerator.

Plant Your Bulb Garden In Soil

Use a mixture of potting soil, sand, and peat moss. Make sure the container has good drainage. Arrange bulbs close together with their tips sticking out of the soil. Make sure that the soil underneath is loose to encourage roots to grow quickly. Water the soil before placing the container to chill. Keep soil damp but not wet.

Plant Your Bulb Garden in Gravel

Place a layer of gravel in a container, arrange the bulbs as you’d like, and then fill with water so the bottoms of the bulbs just graze the water’s surface.

Forcing Hyacinths in Water

We like to force hyacinths in special bulbforcing vases. These can be found in florist shops or in antiques stores. Simply put the bulb in the top part of the glass, and add enough water so the bottom of the bulb is just touching it.

Tip: Wear gloves when handling hyacinth bulbs, which can cause skin irritation.

Watch Them Grow

Regardless of what container you choose for growing next step is to wait and let your bulbs root. Most bulbs should have blooms two to four weeks after chilling if you follow these steps: When shoots appear, take the container to a slightly warmer—but still cool—place (about 60 degrees), and give it indirect light until leaves are about 3 to 5 inches tall and flower buds appear. Then move the container to a warm, sunny spot (about 70 degrees). When the flowers open up, place them out of direct sunlight. This will encourage the blooms to last longer.

Conclusion

Maybe your bulb garden might not be up to Holland standards but for me the sign of green tulip tips was a sign that spring was on the way. It was a sign of regrowth and renewal which was always welcome. Have you planted bulbs for a bulb garden? Let me know if the comments below.