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Potted Bulbs in Spring
Bulbs in pots: elegant and earthy
Strictly speaking, black, white and gray are not colors, but they still get used a lot in interior design. Many people use these "neutrals" to create balance as well as for impact. Black is powerful and mysterious. When combined with white, gray and pinks/purples, it takes on an undertone of warmth. In combination with browns or greens, the effect is more natural and earthy.
By experimenting with materials of varying textures, you can provide your living room with just the right amount of enticing tension. Try it sometime in January with the first crocuses that become available. Those with a little more patience can choose from an array of white or brown and green hippeastrums and combine them with items made of natural and dark materials to create their own little Lord of the Rings interior. You can achieve this effect in contemporary as well as traditional interiors, as long as they contain enough elements in black, white and gray. To create more warmth, experiment with warmer deeper yellows.
Or how about outside?
Bulbs in pots are usually thought of as houseplants. But what many people don’t know is that they will also perform beautifully outside. Once hard frosts are past locally, potted hyacinths, tulips, narcissi and such bulbs as crocuses from the supermarket, garden center or florist shop can be featured outdoors in bigger decorative pots. Begin these activities close to the house. With weather conditions still being cold and nasty now and then, you’ll be spending more time inside. Next to the front and back doors, atop the garden table, or on the patio or balcony – these are the first places to decorate with bulbs in pots. Wait until you see garden bulb flowers coming up outdoors, before using potted nursery bulbs for filling in gaps in the garden.
Brilliant choices for outside use are hyacinths and Narcissus Tête-à-Tête. Any of these will guarantee two to three weeks of color as the cool conditions outside greatly extend the time it takes for them to bloom. When they do, however, their flowers will be a delight for weeks. It’s in the morning mist following a cold night that hyacinths display their real ability to stand up to the forces of nature. Don’t forget to water them now and again. You don’t have to worry about harm from ground frost however. The flowers might look a bit groggy in the morning, but they’ll soon be standing up straight and tall again!
