Spring bulbs that will grow through a mulch of pebbles

BlondeHeadOn

We are sorting out a border, and the plan is to plant some shrubs and use a mulch of smallish pebbles to suppress weeds and make it all look nice (hopefully!) I want to use pebbles rather than smaller-sized gravel, because we have a lot of neighbourhood cats who will just see gravel as a lovely new outdoor litter tray (:cool:)

I'd like to plant some spring bulbs at the front of the border, but I am not sure which would be strong enough to grow through the pebbles. I suspect that smaller bulbs like crocuses would not work.

Does anyone have any ideas?

blossomhill_2

When you spot a shoot appearing, clear a small circle of pebbles, so they dont actually have to grow through them - most bulbs should cope with this, inc strong shooted ones such as hyacynth, but maybe not the whispy ones like iris and anenomes

BlondeHeadOn

Hyacinths are a good idea, they would look lovely in that site.

Many thanks.

:T

cyclonebri1

To be honest most will push their way through a layer of gravel or pebbles providing we aren't talking Scottish Cobbles here:D:D

Just avoid the very light weight stuff, anenomies, species crocus etc

Remember dandelions and cowslip seem quite able to get through 2 " of tarmac :eek::eek:

valk_scot

Thing is if you're just using a mulch of pebbles the weeds will quite happily grow straight through these. To get the weed suppressing effect you really have to put down a layer of weed suppressent fabric on top of the soil first, then weigh it down with the pebbles. And of course bulbs won't be able to grow through the fabric...unless you cut strategic holes in it, and then the weeds will come up together with the bulbs.

Bulbs in pots perhaps?

saxonrosecliff

Our daffodils, both full size and miniature have no problem growing through a layer of slate chippings

BlondeHeadOn

valk_scot wrote: »

Thing is if you're just using a mulch of pebbles the weeds will quite happily grow straight through these. To get the weed suppressing effect you really have to put down a layer of weed suppressent fabric on top of the soil first, then weigh it down with the pebbles. And of course bulbs won't be able to grow through the fabric...unless you cut strategic holes in it, and then the weeds will come up together with the bulbs.

Bulbs in pots perhaps?

We already have some of the weed supressant fabric under the cobbles in one part of the border (where we don't want bulbs), but for the bit I am referring to I would like to have some bulbs as well.

I don't mind weeding through the cobbles in the areas where I want the bulbs - and the cobbles look the same whether there is the fabric underneath or not - so I was just going to leave some largish "fabric-free" areas for the bulbs.

And resign myself to a bit of weeding, but hopefully only at the front of the border where they are easy to grab!

cyclonebri1

BlondeHeadOn wrote: »

We already have some of the weed supressant fabric under the cobbles in one part of the border (where we don't want bulbs), but for the bit I am referring to I would like to have some bulbs as well.

I don't mind weeding through the cobbles in the areas where I want the bulbs - and the cobbles look the same whether there is the fabric underneath or not - so I was just going to leave some largish "fabric-free" areas for the bulbs.

And resign myself to a bit of weeding, but hopefully only at the front of the border where they are easy to grab!

To be honest unless you are a purist or have real issues with garden chemicals, weed with any tenacity, say dandelions or buttercups for eg, are better dealt with by using glyphosate weedkiller.
It stays local and degrades quickly in the soil.

Digging out weeds always seems to leave some soil available that attracts every airborne weed seed for miles;);)

BlondeHeadOn

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

To be honest unless you are a purist or have real issues with garden chemicals, weed with any tenacity, say dandelions or buttercups for eg, are better dealt with by using glyphosate weedkiller.
It stays local and degrades quickly in the soil.

Digging out weeds always seems to leave some soil available that attracts every airborne weed seed for miles;);)

I have been known to 'paint' my weeds leaves with chemical weedkiller, so I agree with this one!

cyclonebri1

Yes exactly, so do I it's the best option.;)