In the winter months, the Lower Rhine is more Mediterranean than most other regions in Germany. Hard winters are rather rare here and when there is often a late onset of winter in March with snow or cold east wind.

Conversely, this also means that the geophytes that bloom in spring often carefully push out of the ground in November and December. This group includes crocuses, snowdrops and daffodils, among others.

As beautiful as these first harbingers of spring are, it is all the more important to be careful not to damage the shoots when clearing the beds. The later the geophytes are “exposed”, the more difficult this becomes.

Of course, it would be a real shame for the flatter spring onions such as crocuses and snowdrops, as they would hardly be noticed between the remains of plants.

My advice would therefore be to pay attention to where they are when planing and planting the flower bulbs.

The smaller geophytes thrive best on the edges of shrubs and are perceived much better there. Here they don’t have to fight against competitors such as grasses or perennials.

It is best to plant larger bulbs that bloom later, such as daffodils, allium and imperial crowns in the perennial beds.

This morning we actually have a touch of snow lying around, so hopefully there will be the chance for some nice garden pictures.

 

Have a nice Sunday everyone.