By Taurman
Cork,
Ireland 
Hi Folks,
I had several pots of iris, tulips and other bulbs over the spring and they have died back ages ago, I am rescuing the bulbs, not sure I want them in pots next year as have raised bed where they would look nice. If I dry them and plant them in the fall in the beds, I will have spring colour. My query is will I need to lift them again as will need other plants for colour throughout the summer. Guess I am struggling with understanding how I can have reasonable continuous colour, which is important as the bed is just outside my living room windows and like to keep it looking fresh. Thank you in advance.
9 Jun, 2017
Answers
I have bulbs in the ground and then plant other plants above/next to them so as one lot emerges and dies back the others just start into growth.
I do plant the bulbs deep too. I wouldn't dry them if you have the space to plant them now, as they will be happier.
9 Jun, 2017
Most temperate climate bulbs prefer to be stored in the soil, rather than in a box. I would plant them now, and put summer blooming annuals over them, maybe with summer and fall blooming perennials a foot or so away from the clumps of bulbs.
10 Jun, 2017
Thank you both, that's very helpful. Happy Gardening.
10 Jun, 2017
same to you too :o)
been to Burton Agnes plant fair in east yorkshire today. didn't intend to buy anything but.......
10 Jun, 2017
No once you've planted them in the ground you won't need to lift them, simply plant what you want over the top of them. Remember to feed weekly with half strength Tomorite or similar to feed the bulbs next year once they have flowered and continue to do so until the leaves start going yellow.
9 Jun, 2017