Collection 3

Narcissi - Can be grown in many ways. Some are suited to informal planting in rough grass in sun or partial shade, where they may be left to flower for years without any attention. Some do well in hedged banks; other more formal varieties are suited to borders, where they provide early colour before the summer-flowering plants commence. These can also be left undisturbed for several years. Many of the smaller species and varieties suit rock gardens and will fill small gaps between other plants. In all cases let the leaves die down completely, or at least become yellow, before removing them. This is necessary to allow the foliage to feed the bulbs, thus ensuring flower production in subsequent years. The bulbs do best in soil which is reasonably well-drained, but not too light and sandy, so that it does not dry out excessively - soil conditions are a most important factor in getting the best results. After flowering, the soil must not be allowed to become waterlogged before the foliage dies, as this can retard bulb growth for the following season.  Failures with bulbs are frequently due to planting too deeply or too shallowly.  A good general rule to follow is to cover the bulb with soil one and half to twice its own depth. Plant 10-20cm (4-8”) apart, depending on variety.

Anemone - Very easy to grow, this is a useful and popular clump-forming plant, producing splashes of colour in the rockery or at the edges of beds and borders. Usually blue (but not always), they are frequently planted between taller bulbs such as tulips and daffodils. They can also be used for naturalising in woodland or planted in swathes. Plant 7cm (3”) deep, 10cm (4”) apart.