Spring bulbs . . .

Last back end I decided that my three Box Hedge Beds would have flowers instead of the usual veggies in them!
The decision was for Scarlet tulips underplanted with wallflowers.
I am very happy with the result but feel the wallflowers have flowered a little behind the tulips.
By the way, advise please as to do I remove the tulip flower when its died off and I take it I lift them then and dry them off in a tray. Am I correct?

 

@David E Peacock - that's a stunning piece of hedgework and the plants really bring some magic to your work. Hat off to you, Sir

With tulips and many spring bulbs, it's best to cut off the seed head once flowering has finished to prevent them from using valuable energy reserves from their bulbs for seed/new bulb production. Also, they should be left for a good few weeks to photosynthesise and put energy back into the bulbs for next season's display. At least 6 weeks - or until the foliage turns yellow and starts withering. Them lift them up and store.

A lot of people who have large borders leave them in the ground but often bulbs are munched up by slugs or inadvertently destroyed when digging, but as your planting areas are quite compact, you obviously appreciate it's necessary to lift them to make room for summer plants.

 

@Mowerman - Thank you for your kind words and advice. Much appreciated!