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Spring Daffodils in Kent gardens
As we gardeners stroll or speed walk (depending on the weather) around Kent we are always pleasantly surprised to see the slowly emerging Daffodils. These yellow delights are a welcome sight to all in the chilly month of February. They gallantly push up and through the solid, cold soil and frosted grass in a determined and very welcome fashion. Whatever the weather or condition of the soil these heroic plants will shine through! The solid green tips are first to appear and gradually over the next month, the stems will grow taller and stronger. The yellow flower heads are next to follow, opening to reveal a yellow trumpet of delight. Although they are a common sight throughout the Uk and beyond we still treasure them as a colourful reminder and indicator that Spring is indeed on its way!
What pests and diseases do Daffodils get?
These cheerful little plants have very few problems and are an easy and usually trouble-free addition to any border, pot, or bed. They can, however, be marred by the odd slug and snail or eaten from the inside by the dreaded Narcissus fly (large or small variety) thedaffodilsociety.com These critters spoil the look and performance of the flower heads and stems. There are other pests and diseases that can affect them but do not fret, I have grown these flowers since I first started gardening over 16 years ago. I always put them into design schemes and convince each client of their importance and graceful presence. With the very small chance of them being troublesome, I can recommend you use them to brighten your winter garden.
When is the best time to buy Daffodils?
People are always confused by this little dilemma. Basically, and as a general rule, if you see the bulbs in shops, garden centres and nurseries then this is the right time to buy and plant them. However, if you intend to do en mass planting then finding and ordering from a reliable wholesaler will be the better option. Both cheaper and delivered to your door. The flower variety, bulb size, mature height and colour choice is vast. Indeed these invaluable bulbs can satisfy everybody's tastes and style. For instance in my garden in Broadstairs, I have two varieties "Tete a Tete" and "Carlton". These two varieties are trumpet-shaped and very traditional looking. I prefer these to the more general looking types. "Tete a Tete" is small in height about 10cm and has intricate mid yellow petals, whereas "Carlton" is tall around 30cm and boldly upright with deep yellow petals. There are numerous variations in their shape and petal formation with some varieties looking completely different in shape and size.
Where do I buy Daffodils in Kent?
Again if they are in the shops they usually ready to be planted. The best months for planting are October and November, any later and there is a chance that they will not flower when they should or rather when you have intended them to flower. They are normally displayed loose or pre-packed in netted bags. To check the quality gently squeeze the bulbs. They should be firm (not squiggly or soft) and have no sign of mould or mildew.The easiest way to judge if you are about to buy good quality bulbs is to look at them as if they were onions (although do not eat them as they are poisonous!) you wouldn't use a soft mouldy onion, would you? The details of height, size of flower, name and colour should provide you with enough information to choose the right bulbs for you!
Whats the best way to plant Daffodils
The process of planting these bulbs especially if you have a couple of hundred to plant maybe time-consuming, a bit of a challenge but I assure you very satisfying (eventually). Stick with it and you will be rewarded!. These little bulbs of joy will elevate even the drabbest garden setting. The planting method depends on where you are putting them. When planted in grass it is best to use a spade. Throw the bulbs around so they fall naturally and take a spade. Dig this into the soil and wiggle it around. Create a big enough gap to sit the bulb nicely on the bottom of the gap. Add a small sprinkle of growing more than with a boot close the hole over and repeat wherever the bulbs have fallen. When planting in a bed or border use a trowel. Dig the trowel into the soil and create a nice slim hole which is about 15cm deep. Repeat the same procedure as if you were planting them in the grass. That's all they need. Easy but perhaps a little hard on the back.
The Daffodil debate conclusion?
With so many tempting new plants and modern design themes, we can tend to steer away from traditional plants and their virtues. I am often asked by clients "is there any room for bulbs in my garden design theme?" The answer is always yes of course. Even if the leaf and stems remain long after the flower head has faded and been removed. These precious little plants will merge and blend with the surrounding Spring growth and will soon be unnoticeable. Your eye will be drawn to the next stage of seasonal growth and be entranced by the newly emerging perennials, flowering shrubs and the striking shapes and colours of Tulips. I am a serious advocate for Daffodils. They give pleasure to me on the darkest winter day and are an early source of nectar for the earliest and bravest bees.
Photo wix.com 2018
