BBC Gardeners' World

Gardeners' World Magazine is the authoritative voice in gardening, the clear market-leader since it launched in 1991. The award-winning editorial includes topical, practical advice in the readers' favourite 'what to do now' section, and regular contributions and features from the top names in BBC gardening. Packed with fresh ideas and clear advice - the innovative approach offers creative, practical and problem-solving solutions to all keen gardeners.

Welcome

GARDEN inspiration • Bulbs are an easy and inexpensive way to transform the displays in your garden, and with a bit of planning it’s possible to have colour in your borders all year round. Enjoy snowdrops and crocuses brightening the ground through winter, followed by daffodils and tulips, with alliums, lilies and dahlias keeping the show going through summer.

Seasonal STARS • Planting bulbs is one of the easiest ways to transform your borders and containers. There’s a huge range to choose from, so we’ve picked some of the best showstopping varieties for each season. From tiny irises and snowdrops to towering fox-tail lilies and bold dahlias, there’s something to appeal to everyone, bringing colour to your garden all year round.

Spring bulbs

Daffodils

Tulips

Make a layered spring pot

Plant bulbs in a lawn

Summer bulbs

Lilies

Plant up lilies in pots

Dahlias

Plant dahlias

Autumn bulbs

Nerines

Winter bulbs

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Snowdrops

Plant bulbs ‘in the green’

Force bulbs

USING colours • One of the key ways to guarantee a showstopping display from your bulbs is to use colours that make an impact. On the following pages you can explore some beautiful colour options and plan your bulbs across the year – from the fresh whites of snowdrops and crocuses through to the blazing oranges and reds of crocosmias and dahlias, and dark purples of hyacinths and irises.

White, cream & green • White flowers can make a garden look magical. They have a freshness about them, and an elegant simplicity that works with any scheme. At dusk, as darker colours fade to black, white flowers glow like stars. Whites, creams and greens will also create a feeling of space.

Yellow & orange • A sudden burst of yellow flowers is like the sun breaking through the clouds. Yellow attracts the eye, placing deeper colours in the shade. It also foreshortens distance, making yellow plants appear closer. Large expanses can be tiring, so temper with hints of blue and purple.

Pink & red • Although pink is a shade of red, the effect of these colours couldn’t be more different. Pink is delicate and soft, while red is confident and provocative. Pale pink flowers make for a tranquil garden, while red craves attention. Pastel pinks can look washed out in bright sun, while red glows vividly.

Blue & lilac • Blue is a contradictory colour – it can be both invigorating and relaxing. The blue of the sea is mysterious and, when tinged with red to make lilac, is calming. Boundaries look further away when planted with blue flowers. Blues and lilacs provide rest from more dominating colours.

Purple & black • Purple speaks of power – it’s regal and mysterious. Blackcurrant tones create a base to set off reds and burnt oranges. There are few flowers that are truly black – where all light is absorbed, rather than reflected. Dark colours in the middle ground and background create the illusion of depth.

Multi-coloured • With multi-coloured flowers, you can inject the wow factor into container and border displays. These stand-out stunners can be used in clashing colour schemes or simply to provide some instant impact. From a subtle...