Spring is just around the corner

Spring is in the air. Time to get outdoors and get going with pre-forced bulbs. These colorful spring-flowering bulbs create the sunny look of spring in any outdoor location, from garden to roof terrace. Enjoy!

Let the sunshine in

After the winter, every outdoor space could use some color. So let the sunshine into your garden or patio with flowering pre-forced bulbs. Discover the bright shining colors of tulips (Tulipa), daffodils (Narcissus), grape hyacinths (Muscari) or one of the many other spring-flowering pre-forced bulbs. The more flowers, the greater the feeling of springtime! Can’t wait to get started? Here’s how.

Five steps to springtime:

1. Consider in advance the colors and varieties of pre-forced bulbs that you would like to have. Remember that pre-forced bulbs are sold before they actually bloom, so they will still look like green shoots.
2. Pick out some nice pots, plant containers or baskets, too, or consider the ones you already have. Tip: Make sure that water (rainwater or water you provide) will easily drain out through a hole in the bottom of the container.
3. For a dramatic effect, plant the pre-forced bulbs side by side in the pots, baskets or plant containers. Then fill in with potting compost if needed. Did you know that you can also buy pre-forced bulbs already planted in pretty pots?
4. Just place the pots, plant containers or baskets in a spot that could use some color. Also consider the views from your windows: where would you like to see some color outdoors? Put some pots there as well.
5. Get out the lawn chairs again. Then – maybe with a blanket over your shoulders – you can enjoy the beautiful look of springtime outdoors.

Urban gardening

Do you live in the city? You can still make good use of colorful pre-forced bulbs, even if you don’t have a garden. A cluster of pots at street level can also be a cheery sight. Or, look higher up: pre-forced bulbs aren’t afraid of heights! Go ahead: put some colorful pots on your balcony or roof terrace. Then, you can smell the sweet scent of springtime, too. Urban gardening: it was never this much fun!

Solid areas of color

Fill plant containers with bulb flowers all in one color. This will make them dramatic eye-catchers while retaining a unified overall look. To provide a natural effect, you could add some fresh green foliage plants such as hardy ferns or ornamental grasses.

Good to know

• Do you have a patio paved with large square tiles? If so, creating these solid areas of color is a great idea. Fill plant containers that have a footprint the same size as the patio tile (DIY or smile sweetly at a handy friend, neighbor or other acquaintance) with flowering pre-forced bulbs. Then arrange them like pieces on a chessboard to create a geometric look. Or arrange them randomly over your patio for a nonchalant effect.
• But maybe what you like is a big jumble of colors and shapes? Well, go ahead! Actually, you can combine all varieties of pre-forced bulbs. Celebrate spring just the way you want – and enjoy it!
• Idea! Team up with your neighbors. Why not have all of you put some flowering bulbs along the front of your houses? The more of you who join in, the more delightful the look.

Care

Pre-forced bulbs need a substantial drink of water every few days. Watch how they start to bloom! A light frost is no problem for pre-forced bulbs. If a hard freeze is forecasted, move the pots temporarily to a frost-free spot.