THERE are still lots of bulbs in the shops to tempt us. Spring may seem far away but the season is now getting late for planting daffodils. Unplanted bulbs should go into the ground immediately.
One attractive variety which drew comments last spring in my garden was Rip Van Winkle. Sometimes referred to as a rockery daffodil, it grows about six inches high. Needless to remark, one does not need a rockery for if. If is just that it is one of the smaller daffs and it can be very pleasing grown in a pot. That way, the plants can be enjoyed indoors as they come info flower. The flowers are yellow with a hint of green and are fully double in a shaggy, old-fashioned way. If has charm.
Tulips are not so early into growth and these can be planted safely in November and even into December, but buy now as the most interesting ones will be snapped up very quickly. A lovely one widely available is Spring Green. The picture on the packet or box will show a tulip flower in green and white. When the flowers first show the green colour predominates, and then the white expands. As the blooms develop - they are suffused with pink - the green, white and pink make for a very eye-catching and surprising show which is not at all brash.