Aconites and others spring delights

After snowdrops Eranthis hyemalis winter aconites are one of the delights of spring. This woodland member of the buttercup family will swiftly multiply to form a glowing carpet of golden yellow flowers each spring. The cup shaped blooms of the winter aconite attract pollinating insects into the spring garden, and associate beautifully with snowdrops and bluebells for a spectacular woodland display. Virtually maintenance free, Eranthis hyemalis are ideal for planting in the dappled shade of deciduous trees, or naturalised in informal areas of grass.

However, I have found from experience they are hard to establish. The cheapest way to buy them is as small tubers but I have not had much success planting these directly in the borders. Maybe I was just feeding the mice but they seldom came up! However, I have found that planting in pots of compost in the autumn and leaving in a cool greenhouse is generally successful. On the right the Winter Aconites and on the left  Anemone Blanda White Splendour which I treat in the same way. An additional benefit of this approach is that the greenhouse gets full of the scent of the Winter Aconites which is fantastic.

The border with the snowdrops beginning to fade.

The winter aconites ready for planting

The border now with a few splashes of yellow which will establish themselves into large clumps over the next few years.

Other spring delights

Everywhere you look at this time of year spring bulbs are bursting out.Crocus Pickwick coming back every year.

Borders of Helleborus Ashwoods Hybrids doing their own thing.

 

Crocus Joan of Arc under a row of step-over apples with tulips emerging behind.What could be more wonderful!

Gardening Hours
This week	Total since June 19th	Average per week
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