Growing Bulbs in the Natural Garden

“This gorgeous book expertly gives both experienced and novice gardeners the tools and inspiration they need to start or enhance their gardens.” (Library Journal, starred review)
“I don’t know anyone else with as much experience and knowledge when it comes to designing with bulbs.” (Piet Oudolf)

Growing Bulbs in the Natural Garden is a four-season guide to combining bulbs with perennials and grasses in a loose, nonchalant style, from a leading figure in the New Perennial movement. From the earliest snowdrops to alpine violets, tulips, alliums, late autumn crocuses, and many more, bulbs add interest and color to the garden throughout the year. Renowned naturalistic garden designer, Jacqueline van der Kloet, has mastered a casual, magical technique where bulbs emerge playfully among other plants, as if dancing freely among the perennials and grasses. Both friendly and accessible, the book introduces bulbs as essential to any garden at any scale, inviting in pollinators, providing wonderful pops of color and personality, and extending a garden’s bloom time in the shoulder seasons.

Readers will find information on:

• Bulbs basics for beginners, including easy varieties that anyone can grow well
• Color combinations that will transform the character of any garden
• How to plan, plant, and care for bulbs in every season, including handy tools to make work easier
• Tips on naturalizing bulbs so they come back on their own, year after year
• How planting bulbs directly into grass transforms a lawn (and invites the bees in early spring!)
• Techniques for layering bulbs in smaller spaces such as containers, balconies, green roofs, and wall-side borders
• Tips for growing bulbs on the larger scale
• Perennial partner plants for a standout, integrated garden in constant bloom

Also included are lists of Jacqueline van der Kloet’s favorite spring, summer, autumn, and winter-flowering bulbs, and case studies of her naturalistic garden designs from around the world, including the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, the UK, and the Lurie Garden in the US, where she collaborated with leading plantsman, Piet Oudolf. Growing Bulbs in the Natural Garden provides unique inspiration and expert insight gained from van der Kloet’s vast career, using nature as a model. Indeed, growing bulbs in van der Koet’s style makes the garden appear as if nature had planted the bulbs herself. It’s time to invite more magic into your garden!