Are you ready for spring yet? It’s coming to our area, but first we have to get through the latest mix of rain, snow and wind that is being forecast. If you simply cannot wait another week to see signs that winter is over, then head to the Philadelphia Flower Show for a day full of spring. The celebration of British gardening, traditions, sports and horticultural hobbies continues all the way through Sunday, March 10. This year’s theme “Brilliant” showcases many spring bulbs that have been well loved by the British for decades.
Here are 5 favorite that the British love to grow in their country, suburban and city garden flower beds. All of them make a brilliant appearance at this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show:
Hyacinth
No English spring garden would smell right without a sprinkling of hyacinths beside the garden path. Their strong perfume is much admired and one of spring’s sweetest gifts early in the season. Their profusion of outward facing flowers can fill a room with their aroma. Flower colors are now available in a rainbow of choices. Look out for a blanket of deep purple hyacinths, as you stroll through fragrant territory at the Flower Show.
Daffodil (Narcissus)
Large brilliant yellow trumpets have flourished on Welsh roadsides and behind Irish castle walls for many a year. Varieties have been developed to include scrumptiously bright miniatures that are perfect for tiny spaces, as well as enormous “peaches and cream colored” double blooms.
Tulip
The North Sea is bordered on the west by England and on the east by The Netherlands. Both countries share an obsession with gardening. English gardeners are especially fascinated by new tulip and other bulb creations that come from the city and gardens of Keukenhof. Visit the Philadelphia Flower Show to see two spectacular purple tulip varieties, called “Candy Prince” and “Purple Prince”, and many more striped and variegated blooms.
Old English gardens often pair blue and yellow, as well as blue and white. Bluish purple grape hyacinths often nestled in Grandmother’s garden with white crocuses and yellow tulips. At the Flower Show, they are tucked beneath trees, and among daffodils, as well as lining borders.
Crocus
Small but bright, the crocus is one of the first spring flowers to break ground. These deep cup shaped flowers make a beautiful edging to a planter or along the outside of a border full of tulips and daffodils.
Philadelphia and other mid-Atlantic cities and suburbs can successfully grow all of these 5 British bulbs. Fortunately, we will be able to easily implement some of the ideas gained from the Flower Show right into our own local flower beds.
Cheers!
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