WEETABIX coloured lawns, hosepipe bans and plants simply giving up have made summer very strange this year.
But despite what Mother Nature has thrown at our gardens, one thing is thriving — bulbs.
That’s because they already store a lot of moisture and nutrients without having to worry about what’s going on outside.
Now is the time to think about what displays you’d like come spring.
Daffodils are the obvious choice, but here are some other suggestions for what to plant this month.
Snowdrops: Planting dry bulbs now gives them plenty of time to settle for a late winter show. Look for the classic galanthus nivalis or the double-flowered flore pleno.
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Reticulata irises: These dwarf irises bloom in February or March and look fab in pots or windowboxes.
Harmony or Pixie varieties offer vibrant royal blue and purple colours with yellow markings.
Glory of the snow (chionodoxa): One of the first bulbs to flower in spring, they’re tough, reliable and produce star-shaped blue, pink or white flowers.
Alliums: Providing height and interest, varieties such as Allium hollandicum Purple Sensation or the massive Globemaster are a really fun addition to your garden.
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Snake’s head fritillary (fritillaria meleagris): I love a Snakes Head and they add a tropical vibe with their exotic purple or white bell flowers. They also love damp, partial shade.
Camassia (quamash): A brilliant alternative if you have heavy, moist clay soil where other bulbs rot. They shoot up tall, elegant spikes of creamy white or sky-blue flowers in late spring.
Wood anemone (anemone nemorosa): Plant these low-growing rhizomes horizontally about 5–8cm deep. Cultivars like Blue Eyes or white wood anemones create beautiful, carpet-like drifts.
Dog’s tooth violet (eythronium): Shade and shelter-loving, this woodland bulb’s pagoda variety has nodding stems with up to ten flowers on each. Plant the soft bulbs quickly after buying so they don’t dry out.
Also in Veronica’s Column this week….
Top tips, gardening news, Plant of the Week and a Trimetals raised planter competition
For more gardening content, follow me @biros_and_bloom
SAVE: BULB planters always work best when you can get a bit of body strength behind them.
Marshalls Garden stocks a Kent & Stowe long-handled version for £34.99, while Thompson & Morgan’s is £19.99.
WIN! OUR pals at Robert Dyas are offering one lucky reader a Trimetals raised planter with storage worth £299.
For a chance to win, see thesun.co.uk/TRIMETALSCOMP or write to Sun Gardening Trimetals competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP.
- Include your name, age, email or phone. Entries close 11.59pm, 19 September 2026. UK residents 18+ only. T&Cs apply
PLANT OF THE WEEK! HESPERANTHA coccinea Pink Princess loves moist gardens.
Get 20 per cent off at thompson-Morgan.com/sunoffers. T&Cs apply.
VISIT: A FREE honey show will take place at Winterbourne House and Garden in Birmingham next weekend, with live beehive demonstrations in the botanical gardens.
REASONS TO DIG IN: GOOD news – gardeners can burn up to 500 calories an hour, according to experts.
GP Dominic Greenyer, Director of The Health Suite, said: “Most people think of it as a meditative and soothing activity, but it’s actually great for your metabolic health, too.
“It’s a full-body activity – your legs and core work to keep you steady as you bend and reach and your arms and back work every time you dig, rake or carry.”
THIS WEEK’S JOB: SOW cornflowers and calendulas now for early flowers next year. Plant kale and pak choi, net ponds to keep leaves out and divide hostas and asters.
WINNING DRAGONS DECIDED: I WAS honoured to be an RHS Trials judge at RHS Hyde Hall in Essex this summer.
And while we were judging the snapdragons, the public were voting as well.
I’ll reveal our winners at a later date, but the visitors voted:
FIRST PLACE – Antirrhinum majus Floral Showers Red and Yellow Bicolour (Floral Showers Series), pictured: Visitors loved the vibrant red and yellow flowers. Great for containers and window boxes.
SECOND – Antirrhinum Opus Appleblossom (Opus III/IV Series): Subtle, creamy colour and works well as a cut flower.
THIRD – Antirrhinum Opus Early Bronze (Opus III/IV Series): This had an unusual colour but traditional flower spikes – and kept upright despite the drought.