Monday 5 October 2020

 
 Got a delivery from Shipton Bulbs last week (above) which I'm in the process of planting up. They specialise in natives like Bluebells and Ramsons as well as a good range of other bulbs common and uncommon. They also have a selection of perennial wildflowers which they send out bare root.
 Their stock is cultivated on a smallholding in Wales and about as close as you can get to actual wild plants. Also it's freshly lifted from the ground which is important. Species like the aforementioned Bluebells and Ramsons for example do not store well because they do not like to dry out. 
 When purchased by the packet from garden centres such bulbs are likely to be dead rather than dormant. Likewise commercially cultivated perennial wildflowers are usually too tender whereas the ones from Shipton are tough as old boots.