Growing bulbs is a rewarding activity for gardeners in the Northern Rivers

With the right conditions, these hardy plants can thrive in many different soils and climates. Bulbs have been used for centuries for their beauty, colour, and hardiness. In Australia, many bulb varieties have adapted to thrive in temperate climates.

Therefore, when deciding which bulbs to plant in the Northern Rivers, it is important to understand the particular climate, soils, and seasons of this region. The frst step is to research what varieties of bulbs grow well in the Northern Rivers. Easy to maintain varieties such as daffodils, iris, and tulips, are some of the most popular choices. Other more exotic varieties such as freesias, paper whites and anemones can also be grown successfully in the area. Once the variety is chosen, the right time of year to plant is important.

The majority of common bulbs should be planted in spring, which is usually from September to November.

Specialty bulbs such as gladioli, paper whites and freesias are best planted in early Autumn, which is from April to May. Once the season is decided, preparation of the garden space is necessary. Most bulbs prefer a spot in full sun or some morning sun. The area should also be mulched well to retain moisture and the soil should be well-draining and of a neutral pH.

Once the soil is prepped, dig holes that are about 5 cm deep, leaving space between each bulb. Place each bulb into the hole, ensuring the pointed side is facing up, and cover with soil. Care should be taken to ensure the soil is frmed around the bulb so that the plant is secure. Watering is then essential to ensure the bulbs can thrive. It is important to keep soil moist but avoid overly wet conditions which can cause bulbs to rot. Once the bulbs have been planted, with the right care and conditions they will begin to fourish.

Daffodils and tulips should begin to bloom within two to three months and other varieties such as paper whites and freesias will likely take longer to fower. With a little extra effort, gardeners in the Northern Rivers can enjoy the beauty of bulbs for years to come. With the right selection, timing and care, these plants will continue to thrive in their new home.

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Are you feeling the chill during winter?

There are still ways to add a cheerful fourish of colour to their garden during the coldest time of year! There are several winter-fowering bulbs that provide a brilliant display in the colder months and are easy to plant. First on the list of must have winter fowering bulbs is the Daffodil.

Not only are they a popular symbol of spring, but they also fower during winter in many parts of Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin. A bonus is that they need minimal care once planted - just make sure the soil is moist and they will produce a cheerful yellow fower for months to come.

Puschkinia scilloides var, libanotica, or Star of Bethlehem, is another great winter fowering plant.

These bulbs produce star shaped, white fowers on delicate long stems. They require full sunlight throughout the day to thrive and while the stems can be a bit foppy, they are ideal for used in containers as a decorative border or feature in any garden. The snowdrop or Galanthus nivalis is a delicate-looking bulb with white petals that come with a hint of pale green or yellow. The most remarkable thing about these bulbs is that they are able to fower in temperatures as cold as -10 degrees Celsius. Not only that, they do best in partial shade and moist soil making them the perfect option for Australia’s winter garden. If a resident of Australia is looking for something a bit more vibrant than white, then a winterfowering Cyclamen should be on the list.

These colourful plants are available in shades of pink, purple, white and even bi-coloured which makes them incredibly attractive in the garden. They prefer cool temperatures and require a bit more care than the other options, but they are worth it when it comes to adding an extra splash of colour during the winter months. Finally, the tiny but eye-catching Muscari or Grape Hyacinth is the perfect fower for winterfowering bulbs.

These purple, bellshaped fowers look almost too delicate for the Australian winter and will add a soft and subtle charm to any garden! They require the same care as the snowdrop, and thrive in cool temperatures and moist soil. With such an array of winter-fowering bulbs, there is something for everyone.

You can easily add a bit of cheer during the gloomy winter months by investing in some of these stunning winter-fowering bulbs. With a little bit of effort and the right bulbs, the garden can return to its colourful best even in the coldest time of year!