bulb

When I moved in with Simon 24 years ago, I promptly took over his garage with pots and pots and bowls and bowls of bulbs for forcing. Never had I come across such a good spot; I'd been forcing bulbs under my bed in rented rooms for the previous couple of years (a good indication of just how cold they were) but now I had all the dark, cold space I needed for hyacinths, tiny narcissi and even tulips. There was no question of Simon getting his car in there - it was more a matter of 'love me, love my bulbs'. (Not much has changed and Simon is still putting up with the bulbmania each autumn.)

We didn't stay long in the flat that went with my bulb garage but that first year produced an amazing array of indoor bulbs that seemed to go on for ever, and took up all the surfaces when they came indoors. I've never since quite reached those dizzying heights, but I have forced bulbs in every subsequent house we have lived in. This year I have found the second-best place, a mere 11 years after moving into this house. It's the cold, dark entrance space behind the front door which is never used as front door as we use the back door as our front door because the front door is always blocked by wellies and coats and shoes. This year, however, it is blocked with vases and pots of hyacinths and paperwhites. So little do we use this small space, that it was only when I was looking for some shoes yesterday that I suddenly saw just how much the bulbs have grown since I hid them there a few weeks ago.

There is nothing to beat the thrill of seeing something you have sown, planted or just sat above water start to grow. These fat 'buds' on the hyacinths tell me that all is well with nature (you can never be sure) and that my bulbs like their new forcing place. And now, after a quick photoshoot, they are back in the cool darkness, putting out more white roots that stretch down then curl round the vases and force the green stalks upwards. It won't be too long before I can bring them into the relative warmth and watch them flower. Amazing.

I've been reading Bulb by Anna Pavord (one of my tulip gurus, together with Sarah Raven) and it has some of the best pieces of practical advice about forcing bulbs that I have read. Plus the photos are brilliant, and the descriptions make you want to plant every bulb in the book.

Comments

[Jane]

Can never think about forcing bulbs without remembering the lovely 'Diary of a Provincial Lady' and her trials and tribulations - the bulbs get moved around the house as better spots occur to her and suffer from the attentions of mice, the cat, husband bring down suitcases from the attic and bad advice on watering from an old school friend emerging eventually looking none too healthy and having to be concealed from constant patronising visitor Lady B. Perhaps if she'd had a nice space behind the front door - might have kept Lady B out, too!

[Lean Ni Chuilleanain]

Ah, bulb joy! My fabulous mother-in-law gave me Anna Pavord's Bulb for my birthday a few weeks ago, and we consulted it throughout yesterday afternoon, which we spent planting bulbs (and a few other things) in my bare new garden.

We're officially dead late for most things, of course, but this is the best I could do this year - digging the beds took far longer than I anticipated. I'm sure my bulbs will put in a decent effort, despite the poor treatment they've had!

[Fran]

Inspired by a post of yours perhaps early this year I bought one of these glass bulb vases a few weeks ago. It is now safely tucked away in the coldest end of the attic. As I have been away for the past three weeks I look forward to seeing the progress on my return.
Although I love the greenary of Christmas, nothing can compare [for me] with the simple, clean beauty of bulbs in flower, especially when brought out after the festivities have been packed away.
This latest book from Anna Pavord looks a wonder. I have other's by her and love them. Onto the Christmas wish list it goes!

[Catherine]

Thank you for reminding me that I love forcing bulbs! I haven't done it in years (hmm, since my young children were born...coincidence?) but plan to pick it up again this year. I love a nice shallow dish filled with paperwhites and river rocks.

[Rattling On]

There is a hint of sunshine in that picture...or at least bright light. It's so dull here you could force those lovely bulbs in any of our rooms.

[Amy]

I need to do this again...it is just so cheery in the dead of winter! :)

[Martina Tierney]

Love your blog Jane, have been reading since your first book. Have just started my own www.sparkyfizz.typepad.com and am terrified! Would love to have some constructive criticism if you can find time? Have put you on my favourites list. Vanessa (socks) gave me some good advice. I tried to e-mail you but it wouldn't work. Not sure if this just my computer. Wishing you and your lovely family a wonderful Christmas.

[Holly Thompson]

ohhh I love a good hyacinth bud! They were in my bouquet and in my hair at my wedding a couple of Springs ago (The flowers, not the buds :). I have been looking for some hyacinth vases like yours and cannot seem to find them anywhere! Do you have any recommendations for finding them online? I was hoping to surprise my flower loving mother-in-law with a trio of these for Christmas.

[Karen]

Have never forced bulbs. It's got to be such a happy occupation--and they begin to flower just when they're most needed. Thanks for the inspiration, Jane!

[Kerstin]

So lovely photos. I love bulbs in that special jars. Atleast the look of those white roots creeping into the water, every day a little bit longer.

Best regards from Germany, Kerstin

[catofcuriosity]

I don't really know a lot about bulbs - you learn something everyday because I had never heard the term 'forcing; in reference to them. Be rather excited to see how they all turn out - beautiful I expect...what a lovely very rewarding hobby! xxx