Tickled Squirrel March 2015 | Page 6

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. 6