It is only 28th June but I have just received my first catalogue for Spring bulbs, is that cuckoo or what?
Still 164 pages of glossy photos in J Parker’s Wholesale catalogue is always welcome and a useful reference up to and past spring.

Why Order Bulbs Early

• The early bird gets the fat worm or the best of breed and that can be true of bulbs.
• Choice bulbs sell first.
• You will not be tempted to buy bargain basement bulbs that will probably be unsuitable.
• Some bulbs like Narcissus appreciate a long period in the ground to develop good roots

Why Order Bulbs Later

• If you can’t store spring flowering bulbs correctly they will deteriorate.
• You need to plant them to suit your garden conditions and when you have the space prepared.
• Vendors are after your money – if you order now you will get more catalogues and offers – just watch this space.
• You should be in the garden not reading glossy spring bulb catalogues.

Why Wholesale Bulbs

• J Parker’s Wholesale catalogue is not only for retailers and professional gardeners.
• Bulbs are sold in quantity generally of 100, and 1,000 but you can buy 25 of one variety at the rate for a 100 or 250 at the 1,000 price.
• This volume buying works out good value and encourages you to select your varieties with care and get a good showing or massed grouping (I find buying in 10’s get a dot effect.)
• Beware the Parker’s prices are quoted before VAT and there is a £4 small order surcharge.
• More info and catalogue request at www.Dutchbulbs.co.uk

Gardeners Tips
J Parker also produce an Autumn wholesale catalogue and a variety of other vat inclusive catalogues during the year.
The paper is too glossy to go on my compost heap so I recycle old catalogues with our paper collection

Daffodils by robynejay CC BY-SA 2.0