Bed with different bulbs

The gardeners of Weltvogelpark need over six weeks to plant all spring flower bulbs for next year. Tulips, Daffodils, Crocuses, Snowdrops, Prairie Candles and Imperial Crowns are just some examples of the colourful diversity which will decorate the spring in next season.

Sorting the bulbs

First the gardeners sorted the many different spring bulbs in the storage place. As you can see in the picture, 3 million spring flowers need very much space.

At the playground the bulbs were put by hand

Up to six gardeners of Weltvogelpark worked several weeks to create different beds and finished the planting of spring flower bulbs. Most of the bulbs were put by hand into the ground. First, the upper part of the soil is removed. After the bulbs were put, they are covered up again with soil.

For lawns, the gardeners use a special machine which plants the bulbs into the ground. In particular, long lines at the visitor parking place are planted with this machine. After being in full bloom, these spring-flowering bulbs remain in the ground for next year. When the flowers wither, the bulbs get fertiliser and chalk.

Into the hopper of the specialized machine the bulbs are filled in. On an assembly line the bulbs are transported to be planted into the ground. With a plow the machine loosens the soil. The bulbs are planted before the back wheels of the machine flattens the grass again.

Spring flowers in season 2011

The first signs of spring already appear in february when for example Crocuses, Eranthis (Winter aconite), Snowdrops or Chionodoxa (Snow pride) are showing up. In late march this will be replaced by the first Daffodils and early Tulips. Then the Blue asterisk (Scilla) appears on the scene which blooms till april.

Tulips in season 2011

The main flowering starts in this period which ends in the middle of may. Represented are 15 races of tulips with more than 70 varities and 7 races of Daffodils with more than 40 varities which are planted by hand in Weltvogelpark.