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The Newt (Somerset, England)

After Stourhead , the second garden on the tour that day was "The Newt". Talk about a change in garden styles! As I review my photos, I can appreciate the beauty and style of this garden, but I must confess, it was one of my least favorites.  I remember mostly the heat (it was one of our warmer days), the glaring sun with few trees in sight, and the commercial feel of the whole enterprise. But then again, this was mainly a vegetable garden and I was having an "off" day (I had just toured Stourhead, where I missed some of the main landmarks). The entrance took us through an area with gift shops and display areas (nice thing about photos is you see things you missed - I had not noticed the intricate ceiling design) - We did have an actual tour guide at this one, and he led us through the entire garden - Down a winding, blinding white walkway, towards the large vegetable garden - Leaving one vegetable garden, we headed up a grassy avenue with water features.  Along th...
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Planting Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)


I don't believe I have ever grown autumn crocus (colchicum - I love to say that word) -  although we did inherit one when we moved into this house. I moved it, and apparently it did not like that because I never saw it again. I have always wanted to grow it, but I always think about it at the wrong time of year. Plus, I never see it at nurseries (not even at Yard N' Garden Land). When a friend offered me some, I said YES.

She gave me one special one called "Waterlily" and several that I guess we would call the  "average one". 

'Waterlily'

The question then was where on earth would I would plant them. I read that they are nice in grassy areas so I then decided to plant them along the grassy pathway in front. (This pathway is about to become a gravel pathway as I am refusing to water it daily. Michael wins this battle and gets to do the "told you so" dance.)

I decided to tuck the primo one at the corner of the path next to this pot.


Digging the hole and adding some compost. I'm planting these about 4-5 inches deep.





I put the other bulbs in other spots along the path, as well as some in the back garden. 

I expected it would be next year before seeing blooms but I read that they will bloom 4-6 weeks after planting. That is a pleasant surprise!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. AnonymousAugust 14, 2025 at 7:28 AM

    I looked up the Colchicum 'waterlily': apparently it's has the double pink bloooms, while ther others are single pink. I planted mine among black mondo grass. The black and pink looked quite striking together.
    When happy, the bulbs multiply readily.
    Chavli

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  2. tz_gardenAugust 14, 2025 at 8:07 AM

    I love crocus, especially that they show up when not much else is going on. Please let us know if the 6 week info plays out. Chavli's combo sounds gorgeous.

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  3. Kris PetersonAugust 14, 2025 at 9:24 AM

    I used to see the bulbs offered in local garden centers but they haven't been available here for a long time. I hope you get your September surprise!

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  4. AnonymousAugust 14, 2025 at 11:49 AM

    oh good lord, I just dug up and tossed out about 40 of these because they spread by rhizome in addition to bulb multiplication. They were starting to take over. (yes I'm in the couve) If I'd known anyone wanted them, I'd have saved some-they looked a lot better than those you just planted. I took them out because they fall all over everything around them and then the leaves slooowly go yellow, meanwhile, the blooms only last a few days and then collapse. Maybe you'll do better with them.

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    1. AnonymousAugust 14, 2025 at 1:21 PM

      Oh funny! You are the second person who has told me that they are rampant. I may end up with more than I'd like.

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  5. JerryAugust 16, 2025 at 2:28 PM

    Echoing what others have said - the regular ole pink ones bulk up rapidly. Not my favorite, but I am always reminded that fall (and rain) is on its way when they begin to bloom. Tough as nails. Awesome with neglect. That's worth something.

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