Through grass

Try crocus or dwarf narcissi in short grass, or mini irises – Iris histrioides – are very happy in a lawn that does not get 6 waterlogged. The turf beneath trees can offer perfect growing conditions for scillas, anemones, erythroniums and crocuses. Bulbs also grow in long grass – use tall varieties that can compete, such as daffodils. I lift areas of turf with a bulb planter or spade to the required depth, put the bulbs in then re-lay the turf. If you prefer not to leave grass uncut for six weeks after flowering, plant in an area you’re more relaxed with. Cutting foliage back too early can affect next year’s flowering. Or choose early-flowering bulbs, such as snowdrops and crocus that finish flowering by mid-April, then cut the grass at the end of May.