Mid-Winter months can have us longing for the first signs of spring.Sometimes waiting for the first signs of a crocus just don’t feel like it will be enough.
Every winter I look for ways to force branches or bulbs. Since my recent trip to view the Braquenie collection at Chateau de Louye, in Paris, I have been longing to do my own scaled down version of an exceptional garden installation that was created to greet us.
Photo: @lindaholtcreative
Here is the start of my indoor garden inspired by the beautiful floral show above:
I chose to incorporate my pedestal vase that I’ve used and loved for many years. It seemed appropriate as it’s etching reads “Paris.” A galvanized tray I recently purchased from Terrain, in Westport CT. will serve as the perfect basin to layer, stone, coconut coir and peat mixed with indoor potting soil. Eventually once all the various bulbs are planted, they will wear a thin blanket of Spanish moss and green moss. The green moss is mostly decorative. The Spanish moss will help with keeping the soil in place. It is built rather high and when watering it can become loose and spill over. Using the width of your finger, push the perimeter soil down to create a well. The well is very helpful in preventing spills.
There are 3 varieties I chose to grow. Inside the cylinder vase placed within the pedestal, I planted paper whites in coconut coir. The cylinder shape and moss branches will help with the leggy nature of the paper whites.
In the tray narcissus bulbs are staggered through out and in the bulb vases (that will be stored in a dark cool pantry until they have 3” of blooms above the bulb before being introduced back to the garden) live grape hyacinth, to be placed in four points between the branches. I’ll post pictures after I bring them back so you can see the garden as it comes to life.
Things to remember, a layer of stone will help with drainage. Build your soil high if you use a tray so the bulbs aren’t sitting in water, to avoid rotting. Don’t over water. Slightly moist soil at the bottom of a shallow dish like this is all you need. I will water lightly once a week. If you use different varieties, make sure you read their specific directions for forcing. Some need to start in dormant environments, like a cool dark place. Mostly, have fun!
Home projects like this always have something to teach us, regardless of the outcome. Truly, it’s about the process! Happy creating and if you chose to plant even a single bulb, it will bring an abundance of joy! Xo
