Winter gardening has never been this exciting – imagine planting tulips in a way that's as ingenious as it is eco-friendly! As December rolled in, the weather finally took a breather, though we all know those showers are lurking just around the corner. In the sunny spells that followed, we dove right into the joys of winter gardening: clearing up, repositioning plants, dividing perennials, sowing seeds, and yes, even slipping the last of our tulip bulbs into the soil.
This time around, we focused on bulbs from last year's containers that we dug up back in early summer. The tiniest bulblets, those small ones that might not bloom for years, went straight to the compost heap to nourish future plants. We held onto the larger ones, at least 2 centimeters across, giving them the best shot at success. Now, beginners take note: not every tulip variety comes back reliably year after year – that's why we've been selective, choosing the tough perennial types that have proven themselves by reappearing in our flower beds, borders, and even the wild grass of the old orchard over the past few seasons. It's like curating a personal hall of fame for bulbs that just keep on giving!
But here's where it gets controversial... What if I told you we're shaking things up with a hack that might just revolutionize tulip planting? Some gardeners swear by traditional spacing tools, while others argue that innovation like this could be a game-changer for beginners – or perhaps it's just a trendy fad? We'll let you decide. This year, our freshly weeded and mulched vegetable patch has a dedicated spot for cut flowers, packed with as many perennials as we can muster. We're relocating some dahlias there, adding new arrivals, and now it's the new home for those recycled tulip bulbs.
The twist? We're experimenting with a clever planting technique we discovered on social media, using recycled egg trays. For absolute beginners, this method simplifies spacing the bulbs perfectly, ensuring they have room to grow without crowding. Plus, it promises to make harvesting those blooms – and pulling weeds – a breeze compared to digging through loose soil. We carved out a trench wide enough for two egg trays side by side, stretching it to accommodate three trays in length, and dug down about 15 centimeters deep. Then, we popped the bulbs into the egg cups and nestled the trays right into the ground.
Curious to see it in action? Check out our quick video tutorial on Instagram and Facebook. Stay tuned for a spring update on whether this worked like a charm – and how many of our 150 bulbs burst into flowers. Spoiler alert: we might have a few surprises in store!
Meanwhile, Jenny 'Niff' Barnes returned for another jam-packed session, teaching and motivating aspiring 'Niffers' with her rose sculpting magic. We're eagerly awaiting photos of their creations popping up in gardens everywhere over the next few months. If you're inspired to try your hand at crafting these stunning winter sculptures, why not join us next year? We've just listed the dates, and they're filling up fast – don't miss out on this unique skill!
And speaking of thoughtful gifts, remember the perfect stocking stuffer for any gardening enthusiast: our customizable gift vouchers in any amount. We can deliver them by email or post to ensure they arrive in time for Christmas. Just shout if you're interested!
Upcoming courses to fuel your green thumb:
- Introduction to Garden Design – starting January 8th
- Certificate in Practical Horticulture – kicking off January 9th
- Advanced Practical Gardening – January 14th
- Chainsaw Use & Cross Cutting – February 25th
Plant of the Week Viburnum tinus ‘Eve Price’ is stealing the show right now with its abundant flowers. This robust, evergreen shrub adds year-round color and form to any garden. Hailing from the Mediterranean, it grows into a compact, rounded shape with shiny, deep green foliage. From December through April, it dazzles with clusters of rosy-pink buds that unfold into sweetly scented white blossoms – a real boon for pollinators buzzing about in late winter or early spring, and ideal for snipping to brighten your home. After the flowers, expect striking metallic blue-black berries to follow.
‘Eve Price’ loves full sun or dappled shade and thrives in well-draining soil, even handling salty coastal air or city smog with ease. It's hardy and requires minimal upkeep, just a light trim after blooming to keep its shape tidy. And this is the part most people miss – in a world of fleeting blooms, this shrub offers reliability and beauty that's practically foolproof for new gardeners.
Get in touch at www.norfolkschoolofgardening.co.uk or follow our adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
What do you think – is recycling egg trays for planting a brilliant hack or just another viral gimmick? Do perennial tulips really deserve more hype than one-hit wonders? Share your thoughts in the comments; we'd love to hear your agreements, disagreements, or even counter-ideas that might spark a gardening revolution!
