G/G. Joan as a bit of a joke at me retiring bought an expensive trowel and fork set with longer handles and blades. "Do not want you suffering back ache from bending do we" hm. I found it absolutely ideal for digging out bulbs when they went over but still had leaves to see where they were. Push down all round the bulb or clump and lift, I drop them all together into an old large pot fill it with compost and let them die down naturally in a sheltered corner, the bulbs can then be dried and bagged or just left and replanted the next year. Another tip is to buy the pond baskets from a GC they come in all sizes and shapes, plat up the basket with bulbs, cram them in, sink in compost until ready then dig a hole and plant the basket complete, I do that for my Daughters, the baskets can then be lifted and left to die down naturally. It does not cost the earth as once bought they last years, the bulbs get a good start in shelter then instant flower garden. As with everything some planning ahead saves both time and money.
Frank. PS Yes G/G a rich and often colourful life none of which I would change though I do miss Joan..
Of course you do, Frank. Three of my friends/relatives have been widowed this week, perhaps the biggest and most difficult adjustment anyone is ever asked to make.
In my particular circumstances, I really like the idea of digging them out and putting them into a big pot to die down and then keeping them there until the following year. Do you think it applies to all bulbs? I've never tried it. it is one of those commonsense ideas that seem obvious once you've thought of it - but I've never thought of it.
My OH is certainly happy to be an MOB. Me, I'm in denial!!
Have found a use for all those black plastic pots behind the shed. Next year, Gw, I will have spring bulbs.
Another rant. End of year tax returns. Not mine but son and son-in-law's. Paperwork has got as far as table. Why can't I get as enthusiastic about doing that as I do about chattering?
G/G, My Father grew masses of Daff's and Tulips as he could sell them and would tell me to trench the bulbs after cutting. In an un-used bit of the garden I would push a spade deep in the ground working along making a trench (quite narrow) put some grit in the bottom or sand and then dig up the bulbs often in clumps drop them in the trench and cover leaving the leaf to take in the goodness for next years flowers. It worked for all bulbs, once the flower is gone it puts all its energy into building up the bulb. When I did not have room in my garden I dropped the bulbs into pots and found it works just as well, they can be left out as they need a cold spell to start them into growth, If like last year we have constant rain turn the pot on its side and chock it to stop rolling. My Daff's on the front East facing curled up in balls through the bitter cold spell we had I thought them gone, they have uncurled and standing up like Guardsmen now, I had never seen that happen before.
Again, a very gentle rant, Tina! Why is it that I can read six books, spend 30 hours on the internet, watch five episodes of Midsomer Murders on DVD, even escape into the ironing as a last resort, and still not have dealt with form-filling?
Form filling I would get on with GG. Have to enter everything on spreadsheets. Now, never used spreadsheets when I was at work. Not necessary. So, I have had to teach myself, which I didn't mind, but it's so boring. 12 months' worth. Just finished a crossword and was about to start but have put it off - again. I'll be OK, once I get going. Oh, think it's lunchtime. In case you're wondering, am a late riser so don't eat breakfast until 11. Rugby is on too. Perhaps tomorrow.
Good info, Geoff, thanks. Amazing to watch the hellebores, too, bowed over in the mornings and then standing up and opening to the sun. Guess these things are built-in defences against rain and cold.
My sympathies, Tina. Its the sort of thing we hopes to leave behind when we retired. Although - perhaps you are ont retired and I am insulting you???
Oh yes, well retired. 5 years and counting. Didn't retire when I should either so I am well over the hill. In body that is, not in mind. When grandkids ask me how old I am, (sure they only do it to wind me up) answer - brain 21 but it's the exterior that lets me down. As you can see, anything to put off the dreaded job. Also there's a lot of muscular young men chasing an oval ball around at the moment, with another match to follow. Always tomorrow.
Those people unaccountably chasing a ball? Don't get the point, myself, and, sadly, I'm too old to care what they look like. There's scope for a rant there, actually.
Well, enjoy your procrastinating. Procrastinators of the world, unite!
No, I'm past caring too GG! If I'm honest, I get sick of all the sport shown. (Ducking for cover). I will watch the English match next. Not too sure who has just won as I have it on with no sound. Actually, just checked and it's England and Wales next. Perhaps you better grab your leek!
Have got as far as sorting all the bank statements to make sure I have them all. Son a bit lax, to say the least, at getting his act together. I'm the organised one and, I gather, try and organise everyone else. Moi? Never.
Posts
G/G. Joan as a bit of a joke at me retiring bought an expensive trowel and fork set with longer handles and blades. "Do not want you suffering back ache from bending do we" hm. I found it absolutely ideal for digging out bulbs when they went over but still had leaves to see where they were. Push down all round the bulb or clump and lift, I drop them all together into an old large pot fill it with compost and let them die down naturally in a sheltered corner, the bulbs can then be dried and bagged or just left and replanted the next year.
Another tip is to buy the pond baskets from a GC they come in all sizes and shapes, plat up the basket with bulbs, cram them in, sink in compost until ready then dig a hole and plant the basket complete, I do that for my Daughters, the baskets can then be lifted and left to die down naturally. It does not cost the earth as once bought they last years, the bulbs get a good start in shelter then instant flower garden. As with everything some planning ahead saves both time and money.
Frank.
PS Yes G/G a rich and often colourful life none of which I would change though I do miss Joan..
Of course you do, Frank. Three of my friends/relatives have been widowed this week, perhaps the biggest and most difficult adjustment anyone is ever asked to make.
In my particular circumstances, I really like the idea of digging them out and putting them into a big pot to die down and then keeping them there until the following year. Do you think it applies to all bulbs? I've never tried it. it is one of those commonsense ideas that seem obvious once you've thought of it - but I've never thought of it.
My OH is certainly happy to be an MOB. Me, I'm in denial!!
Be brave GG! Acceptance is the first step.
Have found a use for all those black plastic pots behind the shed. Next year, Gw, I will have spring bulbs.
Another rant. End of year tax returns. Not mine but son and son-in-law's. Paperwork has got as far as table. Why can't I get as enthusiastic about doing that as I do about chattering?
G/G, My Father grew masses of Daff's and Tulips as he could sell them and would tell me to trench the bulbs after cutting. In an un-used bit of the garden I would push a spade deep in the ground working along making a trench (quite narrow) put some grit in the bottom or sand and then dig up the bulbs often in clumps drop them in the trench and cover leaving the leaf to take in the goodness for next years flowers. It worked for all bulbs, once the flower is gone it puts all its energy into building up the bulb.
When I did not have room in my garden I dropped the bulbs into pots and found it works just as well, they can be left out as they need a cold spell to start them into growth, If like last year we have constant rain turn the pot on its side and chock it to stop rolling.
My Daff's on the front East facing curled up in balls through the bitter cold spell we had I thought them gone, they have uncurled and standing up like Guardsmen now, I had never seen that happen before.
Frank.
Again, a very gentle rant, Tina!
Why is it that I can read six books, spend 30 hours on the internet, watch five episodes of Midsomer Murders on DVD, even escape into the ironing as a last resort, and still not have dealt with form-filling?
Form filling I would get on with GG. Have to enter everything on spreadsheets. Now, never used spreadsheets when I was at work. Not necessary. So, I have had to teach myself, which I didn't mind, but it's so boring. 12 months' worth. Just finished a crossword and was about to start but have put it off - again. I'll be OK, once I get going. Oh, think it's lunchtime. In case you're wondering, am a late riser so don't eat breakfast until 11. Rugby is on too. Perhaps tomorrow.
Good info, Geoff, thanks. Amazing to watch the hellebores, too, bowed over in the mornings and then standing up and opening to the sun. Guess these things are built-in defences against rain and cold.
My sympathies, Tina. Its the sort of thing we hopes to leave behind when we retired. Although - perhaps you are ont retired and I am insulting you???
Oh yes, well retired. 5 years and counting. Didn't retire when I should either so I am well over the hill. In body that is, not in mind. When grandkids ask me how old I am, (sure they only do it to wind me up) answer - brain 21 but it's the exterior that lets me down. As you can see, anything to put off the dreaded job. Also there's a lot of muscular young men chasing an oval ball around at the moment, with another match to follow. Always tomorrow.
Those people unaccountably chasing a ball? Don't get the point, myself, and, sadly, I'm too old to care what they look like. There's scope for a rant there, actually.
Well, enjoy your procrastinating. Procrastinators of the world, unite!
No, I'm past caring too GG! If I'm honest, I get sick of all the sport shown. (Ducking for cover). I will watch the English match next. Not too sure who has just won as I have it on with no sound. Actually, just checked and it's England and Wales next. Perhaps you better grab your leek!
Have got as far as sorting all the bank statements to make sure I have them all. Son a bit lax, to say the least, at getting his act together. I'm the organised one and, I gather, try and organise everyone else. Moi? Never.