greenfingers.com
Need Help
Contact
0
Basket
Basket Subtotal:
View Basket
EXPRESS DELIVERY
From an additional £2.99
PRICE PROMISE
We price match to give best deal
PAY ON FINANCE
Options Available

Garden Centre


This week Greenfingers launches its comprehensive bulb range. From narcissi and tulips to alliums and irises, the bulbs included are sure to bring colour, drama and even fragrance to your garden. As a taster of what is to come, we’ve dug up some interesting facts about these little packages of pleasure.

  • The name ‘bulb’ derives from the Greek word ‘bolbos’, meaning onion.

  • The interlinking scales that make up the hard case of a bulb are actually modified leaves.

  • A bulb is really a food storage organ designed to exist permanently underground.

  • Bulbous plants grow in a greater variety of different habitats around the world than any other type of plant.

  • Bulbs were the first plants to be successfully moved from their native habitats to different countries. This was because they could be dug up easily, transported, then replaced in their dormant state, which is part of their annual cycle.

  • Daffodils and snowdrops found growing in the wild were among the first plants ever to be cultivated in Britain.

  • The name for the narcissus comes from the Greek word ‘narke’, which means numbness or stupor. This is because its bulbs are toxic and cause paralysis.

  • Cooking onions (Allium cepa) were long in use as medicinal aids, as well as charms against infection. Their close relative garlic (Allium sativum) is now known to be an effective antiseptic.

  • The Madonna lily can claim probably the most ancient illustration of any flower. It is depicted on pottery from Egypt and Crete, dating from shortly after 2000BC.

  • In Holland during the 17th century, tulip bulbs became a highly valuable commodity. In 1637 a single tulip bulb was sold at auction for 5,400 Dutch guilders – the equivalent of roughly £350,000 today.

  • Cardiocrinum giganteum, the 'Giant lily’, is probably the largest bulb that grows in Britain. It can reach a height of over 3 metres (10 feet).

  • In the 18th century, the juice of hyacinths was mixed with wine and used to prevent beard growth.

  • In Greek myth, Crocus and Narcissus were young men who became immortal when the gods turned them into flowers.

  • The stamens of Crocus sativus are the source of saffron.

    Visit our Superstore to see the fantastic range of bulbs that are now available.


    Click to view  Garden Bulbs for sale  in our online store

    Bookmark and Share

    Other Gardening Fun Articles
       2000: Goodbye To All That        Barefoot On The Lawn
       Bonfire Night        Christmas Already
       Christmas Carol        Christmas Carol
       Christmas Decorations        Christmas Decorations
       Christmas Quiz        Christmas Quiz
       Community Gardens        Dark-leaved plants
       Did You Know... About Bulbs?        Did You Know... About Hampton Court
       Did You Know... About Herbs?        Did you know... About Roses
       Did You Know... About Tomatoes        Did You Know... About Trees?
       Did You Know... About Xmas Traditions?        Did You Know... Plants' Exotic Origins
       Exploding the Makeover Myth        Exploding the Makeover Myth
       Gifts for Gardeners - My Garden Valentine        Goodbye Garden
       Guilt-free Souvenirs        Holiday Competition Prizes
       Holiday Competition Winner        Holiday Competition Winner
       Hooked!        Hooked!
       Know Your Rights!        Less Work, More Fun
       One Man and His Shed        Out With The Old
       Painting Patterns        Playing With Nature
       Psychology of Colour        Quotes of the Year
       Reflections and Resolutions        Spooky Hallowe'en!
       What's In A Name        What's In A Name?
       Wildlife Ponds        Window Box Traumas

    • Testimonials

    Click here to write a service review


    We want to give you the best service by using cookies and similar technologies. By continuing to use our website, you're agreeing to our use of cookies. Carry on browsing if you're happy with this, or find out how to manage your cookies