SPOTLIGHT ON...
GETTING THE BEST FROM BRILLIANT BULBS
IT is all too easy to look upon autumn as the end of things in the garden, but in a strange sort of way, it can just as easily be regarded as the beginning.
Plant some bulbs to remind yourself that spring is not too far away and that the garden will once more leap into life at the start of a new year.
Daffodils, narcissi, crocuses, dwarf irises and the like are all readily available in nurseries and garden centres now. And since the soil is warm and damp, after the October rains, it is in a perfect state to plant.
The most common mistake people make when planting bulbs is not putting them deep enough.
If the bulb itself is 2in deep, it needs planting in a hole fully 6in deep – three times its own depth.
Shallow planting is one of the most likely causes of bulbs coming up blind (without flowers) in subsequent years.
Tulips are happy to be planted at any time from now right up until early December, so get them in as soon as you can.
Many varieties of tulip can be left in the garden to come up year after year if you take the precaution of planting the bulbs 8in or 9in deep.
This technique doesn’t succeed with all varieties, but it is certainly worth giving a go.
And with the likes of the variety Spring Green, it works a treat, saving you both money and effort
Happy planting.
WITH temperatures dropping and nights drawing in, our homes need to be cosy sanctuaries – but don’t let them get left out in the cold style-wise.
It can be hard to choose from the rich harvest of decor trends and fashions at this time of year. So, to make it easier, we asked five interiors experts for their favourite looks.
Design gurus at leading interiors destinations Made.com, Rockett St George, Barker & Stonehouse, Heal’s, plus Laurence Llewelyn-bowen, all share their insights on transforming rooms and adding those special touches.
Take your pick from maximalism versus moody, Nordic-inspired fab functionality, full-fat glamour, contemporary classic, plus pattern and a dollop of British eccentricity...
GO wild with your own taste, urges flamboyant decor guru and master of the frill and flourish, Laurence LlewelynBowen.
“My big mission, ever since I first appeared on TV’S Changing Rooms 25 years ago, has been to make people understand they can and should do what they want with their homes,” says Laurence, who has just announced he will return to Channel 4’s revival of the Nineties home makeovers show.
“I’m thrilled we’re turning our backs on ‘cookie cutter’ decor solutions. It means eccentricity may return to British homes. We’re mad as pants - and our homes should reflect that!”
Decor tip: “Pattern’s really, really getting under our skin again now and will be the big story going into 2021,” he forecasts. “Colour makes a big difference to a room, which is lovely, but pattern tells a story. It can take a room to the Orient or to France or New York, and give an added layer and another dimension.”