Should you plant spring bulbs in your lawn? Pros and cons to consider
There’s something magical when a garden bursts into colour after the long, grey days of winter. Planting spring bulbs like daffodils, snowdrops and crocuses in the autumn is a sure fire way to brighten your garden early in the year.
As well as borders and containers, you might think about planting spring bulbs directly into your lawn to create a natural effect. But while the idea is appealing, it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons before you start digging.
Why plant bulbs in the lawn?
The main advantage is aesthetic. A lawn scattered with cheerful blooms brings a sense of spontaneity and charm that formal flowerbeds can’t match. Bulbs like crocuses and snowdrops appear early, often before the grass has started growing, offering valuable early nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Once planted, many of these bulbs will return year after year. Often, they will multiply and create an ever more impressive display with minimal effort on your part. They are low maintenance, largely looking after themselves. They also make use of otherwise plain lawn space, adding seasonal interest without requiring dedicated planting areas.
The drawbacks to consider
However, there are practical downsides. The biggest challenge is lawn maintenance. You’ll need to delay mowing until the bulb foliage has died back which is often late spring. This is important at the plants will need to store energy for next year. This does mean your grass may look untidy for several weeks. (On the upside, often the grass is too wet to mow, so why not enjoy colour while you wait for the first mow?).
Over time, bulbs can also become overcrowded. This requires the time consuming activity of lifting and dividing. And if you’re aiming for a pristine, even lawn, holes from planting and patchy growth might spoil the look you’re after.
Finding the balance
If you’d like to enjoy a more natural, wildlife-friendly garden, planting bulbs in your lawn can be a lovely way to welcome spring. Choose early-flowering varieties, plant in loose, informal drifts rather than rigid lines, and mow around them until the leaves fade.
You can also plant in certain areas, around tree bases or features, keeping more control of where your spring flowers will appear.
The result will be a lawn that feels spontaneous and at one with nature. Who can resist smiling at a ‘host of golden daffodils’!
Top tips
- Plant bulbs in autumn, before the first frosts.
- Vary planting depths for a more natural spread of blooms.
- Use small clusters rather than single bulbs for better visual impact.
We supply quality turf all year round. If you would like further advice on lawn care this autumn or would like to talk to us about your order, please contact us on 01392 231040 or email sales@wesellturf.com
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Topsham
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