Planting Informal Groups of Bulbs and Bulb Saver

Techniques for planting bulbs vary according to the season, to the style of garden, and to the effect you want to create in the borders. Planting informal groups of the same bulb can be highly effective and, depending on the size of the border, the groups may be repeated a number of times, with bedding plants or other herbaceous perennials between them.

Groups of tulips may be surrounded by Myosotis or 'forget me not' or Viola or pansy. Groups of alliums may be grown through nearby Erysimum cheiri or wallflower, while groups of gladioli might appear penstemons or earlier flowering poppies.

Lilies are extremely hardy bulbs and can be planted in autumn or in late winter, whenever they become available to buy. However, they strongly dislike sitting in wet ground, much preferring well drained soil. If your soil is naturally heavy add a generous layer or grit in the bottom of the hole as you plant lily bulbs.

This will improve the growing conditions, so they can remain in the soil for many years. Fritillaria imperials or crown imperial is another large bulb that dislikes too much moisture at its base.

Use extra grit here, too, and plant the bulbs slightly tilted to ensure that moisture does not drain into the open, funneled tops from where the shoots emerge.

Here is how you use a bulb saver. A bulb saver allows bulbs to be located easily at lifting time. Dig down to the required depth, level off the hole and place the bulb saver within it.

Arrange bulbs in the bulb saver and cover with soil. Lift bulbs after flowering if they are not wanted for another year or wait until the leaves have died back before lifting.