Mediterranean Gardens
Roald Goorman
Bulbs In The Garden (plants and not light bulbs!)
Bulbous plants are an extremely interesting and worthwhile
addition to any Spanish garden. Especially considering the fact that
most bulbous plants have evolved in climates similar to what we
experience here at the Costa Blanca.
The plant grows when it rains and forms a profusion of flowers and
leaves, the leaves then store the energy in the bulb which thickens
during the season and with age the plant, accumulating ever more
nutrients and water. When the dry season starts, the plant goes
dormant, having stored all necessary energy and water in the bulb to
survive the dry season. The bulb also gives the plant an advantage
when the first rains start again, immediately being able to form new
leaves and flowers from the stored energy in the bulb.
What we call popularly bulbs might either be true bulbs or corms,
bulbs are actually folded leaves that shoot upwards when in season
(like tulips and daffodils), corms are thickened stem bases from
which a single stalk emerges with leaves and flowers (like onions).
As both have similar requirements in cultivation, and for the sake of
simplicity in the article we will call them all bulbs.
Having lived in South Africa for a year, I have developed a particular
love for South African bulbs, as there is such a stunning variety of
them, one species even more breathtaking than the other when in
bloom!
Also, as quite a few of the nicest species come from the Southwest
of South Africa, which also experiences a Mediterranean-style
climate, these plants are perfectly suited to our gardens. Some other
species come from summer rainfall/ winter dry areas, but with a little
extra watering in summer, these could also be grown with success.
It really depends whether you want a water-wise garden with as
little extra watering as possible or if you don’t mind doing a bit extra
watering to have a wider selection to choose from!
Beware, Mediterranean climate bulbs generally (with a few
exceptions) do not mix well with summer
rainfall bulbs, as the first would succumb
to rot when receiving additional water in
summer, so if you would like to grow both,
keep them in separate beds with different
watering regimes.
For all bulbs, excellent drainage is important, if your soil is heavy and
clayish, then create raised beds with a mix of loam, compost, coarse
sand and composted pine bark or potting soil. For the Mediterranean
species do not fertilise.
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