Bulb planting

There is a little hum of happiness hanging over the farm this morning: I’m poised to go bulb planting.

At long last I can look at the day ahead and say ‘I’m outdoors gardening.’

I have already made a start on the massive pile. I think 450 narcissus thalias have gone in. I have one bucket of them left.  But today it’s camassias, the last bucket of thalias and the allium purple sensations.

And look closely at the tools I use. Yep, the heftiest garden fork there is. Plus a long skinny trowel for the last big of excavating.

Bulb planting here means lots of removal of large stones. But thank goodness the soil is so soft after our whopping two days of rain. Four inches worth in old money.

It has made me realize just what a luxury it is to know one is going to spend hours and hours at a project.  I could almost accept that it is an indulgence for many.  But there is also the element of necessity.  Idleness in this landscape just won’t do.   Every third or fouth go with the fork I am unearthing brambles.  Teensy plants, but they need hoiking out.

So it’s a longer process than just planting into bare soil.

Who has perfect soil? Or a perfect garden for that matter?  You cannot create a garden this large and have it all gorgeous and orderly without staff.  And as my staff christmas party consists of just me, with small cat sitting under the table yowling for scrps, then you will understand what a toil it can be.

But I am learning.  I can look down at my potager and see the weeds. But also know that a bit of controlled chaos is what it will always be. Except after the blitzes of severe weeding and sorting which takes place only every three months or so. Or just before there are Guests. .  That’s when I take the arty shots and give you the illusion that all is gorgeous and in control.

So here is the pre bulb shots. I’m putting heaps of the narcissus into the soft (for once) soil in the east garden. And yes, there is playing about with a design. A swirl. A swoosh.  It might all end in tears if the wild boar go through and mess up all the soil. They don’t eat the bulbs, but they can excavate all around them and ruin my pretty plans.

But that’s country gardening for you. And on that note,,,,