This Thursday in ELP Gardening we will be looking at bulbs. The word “bulb” means more than one thing when we use it in everyday language – can you think of any things we might use or see that could be called a bulb? Where do we find them and what do they do?
Why are they ALL called bulbs when they do such different jobs?
At the top of the page you will find a link to our introductory lesson – “What is a bulb?” We will be using this to introduce the idea that the word has many meanings and move on to discuss the job of the flowering bulb.
The spring flowering bulb is something of a Godsend to the gardener in winter. These clever plants are able to grow and bloom at a time of year when little else is in flower. They bring colour to the darker months and useful jobs in the autumn – when planting is done. We will be once again planting our own bulbs this autumn.
Last year we planted the following species outside Dr Voge’s window in the Science Garden:
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Ranunculus
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Dutch Iris
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Tulip Botanical
They brought much colour in the spring time – the ranunculus were lovely shades of red, pink and yellow, the Irises were beautiful blue and the tulips were a stunning red variety. They replaced the bright yellow of our sunflowers and made our garden look pretty in February and March this year.
Our choices this year will also be determined by the pupils and we shall be looking to plant these in a variety of locations – including using window boxes that can be sited anywhere in the school. We hope to make Preston Lodge a bright and cheery place to work.
Using the above link “PLANTING OUR BULBS” you can follow the steps we will undertake in the garden. The rules apply for planting any bulbs and can be used at home too.
The diagram below will be very useful too!
