Spring bulbs

When it comes to bulbs many think of daffodils, freesia, and ranunculus but there is so much more to bulbs than the winter fl owering varieties. To get reoccurring colour in your garden, bulbs are a very underrated plant. They are easy to plant, require little fuss, and will return each year with brilliant colours. There are many types of bulbs, be it a warm region or a cool one, and some you will not even think as being bulbs. For example, Zephyranthes are commonly called Rain Lily, they are lovely additions to the garden, perfect for edging or as a fi ller, and fl ower after rain. Dahlias are stunning, with showy fl owers and some varieties of dahlias can reach 1.5m. Plant in spring for a magnifi cent show in late summer and autumn. They make amazing cut fl owers, though they have a short vase life. Hippeastrum come in a range of colours, classic dark red to rose pink, white or even lemon or lime, as well as some with striped fl owers. The clumps come back each year getting bigger masses, which can be split and moved around the garden when they die down. The vivid blues of Muscari or Scilla Bluebells are a brilliant foil to orange-coloured fl owers such as Kniphofi a Red Hot Pokers, as they are on the opposite end of the colour wheel and draw the eye as they fi ght for colour dominance. Alliums have an amazing fl ower that makes them such a draw card in the garden. When they start at the end of spring you never want them to stop. Related to the allium, Tulbughia violacea is known for having edible fl owers and leaves. This plant is incredibly hardy, and fl owers prolifi cally from spring through to autumn. Brodiaea ‘Queen Fabiola’ is a bulb that is highly under used, survives harsh conditions, and goes dormant during the hotter months. They can have over twenty dainty fl owers on each plant and are exquisite as a long-lasting cut fl ower. Sprinkled through the garden they often give a surprise of blooms, whilst being a true survivor. Plant all bulbs in a friable soil with plenty of organic matter such as Searles Mushroom Compost or Premium Compost Mix blended thoroughly through the soil. For better fl owering use Searles 5 in 1 Pellets every few months and water them with SeaMax Fish and Kelp, which the entire garden will enjoy. Some clever gardeners use bulbs which fl ower in different seasons as fi llers in their garden. The dash of colour can change season by season, with some of these varieties taking over from the daffodils, freesias, and ranunculus for varying colour and textures. In pots, plant in Searles Platinum Potting Mix as seen in the video by Gardenettes on the Searles website.

Zephyranthes Muscari Scilla Bluebells

Brodiaea

Protect herbs, vegetables, trees and shrubs from possums, kangaroos, wallabies, rabbits, hares, bandicoots, deer, foxes and other wildlife. Protect vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, seedlings and buildings from cockatoos, crows, ducks, pigeons, rosellas, starlings, swallows, other birds, fruit bats and microbats. Protects homes, gardens, patios, shop fronts and paved areas from both dogs and cats or rats and mice.

Protects one plant or a whole area — perimeter &/or band sprays.

Repels — without harming animals or humans.

Not considered a poison — no withholding period.

Easy to use — spray on. Effective when dry.

Safe, Proven and Effective.

Available in 100g, 1Kg & 4Kg Sizes.

is unique. Reject products said to be "just as good", nothing is at all "like it".

For more specific information send 2 x $1 stamps, Please mention your problem, post to: D-TER, Dept. A, PO Box 3, Oyster Bay, NSW 2225. Enquiries: Phone: (02) 9589 0703 Fax: (02) 9589 0147