by Sarah Staples

Created on: February 11, 2009

Nothing beats the winter blues more than the sight of beautiful springtime flowers. As the last snow clears from the ground and frosts lift, the appearance of little clumps of snowdrops raise the spirit and herald the beginning of warmer days to come.

Transforming your garden in to a springtime paradise of ever changing yellows, reds and purples can be easily achieved with a little planning. Ideally you will have begun your preparations last autumn, by planting a selection of springtime flowering bulbs. Simply fill your flowerpot with compost and position the bulbs a good distance below the surface, making sure they are the correct way up.

Daffodils, tulips, crocus and snowdrops can all be planted this way, and you may well have forgotten all about them when they begin to shoot little green signs of life the following year. You can also leave the bulbs in position all year, ready for them to spring into life again twelve months later.

For colorful flowerpots and planters throughout the winter, the planted bulbs can be topped with a selection of winter flowering pansies. You can then watch as the bulbs push their way up through the leaves and petals, adding an extra delight to your already beautiful display.

If you haven't yet planted springtime bulbs you will probably have to wait until next season. However, this doesn't mean that you will not be able to enjoy an abundance of color in your springtime garden.

Flowerpots and planters can easily be filled with multi colored primroses and primulas. Winter pansies may still be available and cyclamen continue to bloom well into the spring. Simply buy plants already in bloom or in bud and transplant into your flowerpot of choice. Remove dead blooms frequently to encourage continued flowering.

Brightly colored flowerpots are another way of adding color to your garden. Many pots are painted with bold colors and designs, or you may want to try your artistic talents and paint your own design onto a plain pot. Use water resistant paints and varnish and let your imagination run wild.

A great advantage of flowerpots and planters is that they can be easily moved around the garden as they bloom and reach their glory. Springtime bulbs often flower at slightly different times, so having pots of different species will allow weeks of constant delight that can each be moved into prime viewing positions. Some color crocus, for example, will flower a week or so before another color.

In conclusion, weeks of glorious springtime color can easily be achieved in your garden flowerpots and planters. Your imagination really is your limit!

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