I just moved to NL two months ago to live with my friend. He has a huge garden that has been rather neglected for the last couple of years. I could use some advice and help. I am an avid gardener but come from a much colder climate. If anyone could provide the following information, I'd really appreciate it.
What is the zone here? (I live near Eindhoven).
Where can I find a good variety of bulbs, lillies in particular? Can anyone recommend websites to order from?
Where can I find a good variety of perennials and bushes?
From what I've observed, using mulch here doesn't seem to be a common practice? Can anyone tell me why?
I'm sure I will have many more questions. I appreciate any help......
Thanks!
Gardening Advice for NL
Zone 8.
Bulbs - the Netherlands is the world's largest producer of bulbs, so very easy.
Resin
Well, I'm dutch, and it's more zone 7, temperatures can go down to -15°C. The latest frost date is May 15.
You can order bulbs on the internet or go to a nursery.
Use the dutch google (google.nl) to search for the varieties you're looking for, to see were you can order best.
Depending on what kind of plants you're looking for (usual or unusual) there are a lot of nurseries in the Netherlands.
Type 'tuincentrum' in google and you'll find lots of nurseries. The biggest ones can be found in the western part of the country.
Mulching is rather expensive and not all plants grow well on mulched ground. I only mulch a few places in my garden for plants that like a acidic ground.
Jonna
Well, I'm dutch, and it's more zone 7
Yep, but you're a lot further inland, and 500 metres above sea level, compared to Eindhoven's 20 metres ;-)
Resin
Resin, I live in Belgium now, but only since 5 years. The other 47 years I lived in the Netherlands under sea level and nearer to the sea than Eindhoven. Believe me, if you live in the Netherlands and you buy plants that are only hardy in zone 8, you have a serious risk to loose them. I know, it happened me more than once when I was not yet so experienced. Only if the garden is very protected one could grow zone 8 plants with little risk.
Jonna
OK! Thought you were talking about your current location ;-)
Resin
Thanks for the information. Yes, you would think finding bulbs here would be easy, but mostly what I've found is pretty standard 10 count bags of tulip bulbs. Anyone know specific places to find a great variety of bulbs?
Broadleigh Gardens in England is a good mail order bulb supplier. They specialise in smaller varieties. They do supply to all of the EU. There are no complications about buying by mail order in the EU.