How to revamp your lawn’s reputation with bulbs

The advantages of a bulb lawn

As homeowners seek alternatives to traditional turf-based lawns, the popularity of bulb lawns is on the rise. This shift is driven by the desire for low-maintenance landscapes that also serve as habitats for wildlife and pollinators. Traditional lawns offer minimal habitat, but planting bulbs can easily add an eco-friendly touch and boost biodiversity.

Bulb plants like crocus, snowdrops, dahlias, iris, lilies, and gladiolus offer a variety of blooms throughout the year, providing food for pollinators and adding color to your garden. Bulb lawns can attract pollinators early in the season, offering essential pollen and nectar when little else is blooming. These lawns also enhance the visual appeal of a yard while requiring less maintenance compared to traditional turf lawns.

Selecting the appropriate bulbs

When choosing bulbs for your lawn to benefit pollinators, opt for varieties with a single flower per bulb to provide easy access to nectar for insects. Select tough, low-maintenance bulbs that naturalize well in lawns, such as mini daffodils, grape hyacinths, and botanical tulips. These bulbs attract pollinators like bees and thrive in various climates, creating sustainable habitats for wildlife.

Some bulbs that attract pollinators include Grecian windflower, glory-of-the-snow, crocus, winter aconite, snowdrop, spring starflower, dwarf iris, mini daffodils, grape hyacinths, and botanical tulips.

Planting bulbs

Proper planting techniques are crucial for successful bulb growth. Spring-blooming bulbs should be planted in the fall, while summer-blooming bulbs are best planted in the spring. Most bulbs require full sun and well-drained soil. Plant bulbs at a depth three times their height, and water deeply after planting. Mulch can help retain moisture and insulate the bulbs during winter or keep the soil cool in the summer.

Fertilizing

Fertilize bulbs based on their blooming season, using a balanced fertilizer formulated for bulbs. Follow specific instructions for each bulb variety to promote healthy blooms and root development. Spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils should be fertilized in the fall and early spring, while summer-blooming bulbs need fertilization when new growth appears.

Watering

Water bulbs according to their blooming season, providing about one inch of water per week for spring bloomers and regular watering throughout the growing season for summer bloomers. Monitor precipitation and adjust watering as needed to prevent overwatering, which can cause bulb rot.

Maintenance tips

Rodents, especially squirrels, may be attracted to newly planted bulbs. Use natural repellents to deter rodents from digging up the bulbs. Once established, bulb lawns require minimal care, with the foliage needing to die back to nourish the bulbs for the following year. Consider planting bulbs along the edges of your lawn for a tidier look during the mowing season. Regular maintenance like mowing and fertilizing will help keep your bulb lawn thriving.