Tom Stimpson: The magic of mini-bulbs for a pint-sized garden - Episode 288

We’re stepping once more into Tom Stimpson’s tiny town garden to see how he coaxes months of colour from the smallest of spaces. 

In this episode, Tom shares the mini bulbs that have truly earned their keep in pots and window boxes – from long-flowering iris and species tulips to cheerful muscari and dwarf narcissus. 

Together we explore simple planting “recipes”, clever table‑top displays, and a low‑maintenance watering approach that lets the weather do most of the work. 

In this episode, discover:

• How Tom turns a tiny town garden into months of spring colour using mini bulbs in pots, tabletops and window boxes
• Which small bulbs really earn their keep in containers – from Ipheion ‘Alberto Castillo’ and ‘Wisley Blue’ to favourite species tulips and dwarf narcissus
• Simple ways to plan a small-space bulb display, including easy paper layouts and colour planning
• A low-maintenance watering approach for bulbs in pots that relies on deep, occasional soaking rather than constant fussing
• Practical tricks for protecting bulbs from squirrels and how to give narcissi, muscari and Iris reticulata a second life in borders.

Products mentioned:

Ipheion ‘Alberto Castillo’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ipheion-alberto-castillo

Tulipa sylvestris: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulipa-sylvestris

Anemone blanda ‘Blue Shades’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/anemone-blanda-blue-shades

Muscari ‘Blue Magic’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/muscari-blue-magic

Muscari ‘Valerie Finnis’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/muscari-armeniacum-valerie-finnis

Narcissus ‘Minnow’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-minnow

Narcissus ‘Sailboat’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-sailboat

Scilla / Squills (Siberian Squill): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/scilla-siberica

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