Very good tutorial from a professional garden...
I have subscribed to access all the courses so have watched one on interior design and this one with Butter Wakefield who specialises in small garden design. She ...
Louise Brown
Apr 10, 2026
Grow a Spectacular Garden in Pots
with ARTHUR PARKINSON — Horticulturist, writer and container gardening expert.
Lesson 15 of 51
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Correctly preparing your soil is key in ensuring a bulb lasagne that is full of flourishing flowers.
Correctly preparing your soil is key in ensuring a bulb lasagne that is full of flourishing flowers.
Arthur uses a fork to break up the soil. After the summer display, all the roots get quite dense, creating a thick crust.
Any big roots are getting chucked out, whilst the fibrous roots are kept as they help to make a nice mix. Originally, the soil was peat-free compost; he added mole-hill soil. Nutrient-rich soil is more critical for your summer display.
If you plant your tulips too deep they will struggle to flower. The most they can cope with is about 12 inches. Before putting in any new bulbs, Arthur removes all of the narcissi.
Make sure to break up any hard bits so that the flowers can root easily into the soil.
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437 reviews
Read moreI have subscribed to access all the courses so have watched one on interior design and this one with Butter Wakefield who specialises in small garden design. She ...
Louise Brown
Apr 10, 2026
I love CreateAcademy. I came in for the gardening and floristry courses, but am also watching an interior design one at present. And the photography course is an ...
Wellesley
Apr 1, 2026
What a great investment, I have learned such a lot from the first three courses. My evenings have gone from not being able to find anything that captured my imagi...
sojojo
Mar 30, 2026
I loved this course with Amanda Lindroth! Her approach to decorating is so relaxed and she makes it feel attainable. She explains the reasons behind her decisions...
Elizabeth
Mar 27, 2026
I have subscribed to access all the courses so have watched one on interior design and this one with Butter Wakefield who specialises in small garden design. She has a lovely personality and comes across as ...
Louise Brown
Apr 10, 2026
I love CreateAcademy. I came in for the gardening and floristry courses, but am also watching an interior design one at present. And the photography course is an absolute must, best I've ever done.
Wellesley
Apr 1, 2026
What a great investment, I have learned such a lot from the first three courses. My evenings have gone from not being able to find anything that captured my imagination on TV to learning and expanding my kno...
sojojo
Mar 30, 2026
Your Instructor
Horticulturist, writer and container gardening expert.
Named one of the most influential young UK gardeners by Architectural Digest, Arthur Parkinson is a gardener, florist and author with a penchant for growing flamboyant blooms and raising chickens. After studying horticulture at the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew, Arthur went to work for plantswoman Sarah Raven at her farm in East Sussex to pursue his passion for growing cut flowers. He later became head gardener for the potter Emma Bridgewater, which inspired his first book, The Pottery Gardener. Arthur also co-presents the popular gardening podcast 'Grow, cook, eat, arrange' with Sarah Raven and regularly appears on BBC's 'Gardeners' World'.
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