Gladioli bulbs!!

Hi Rufus if they are the hardy border gladioli you can leave them in the ground. If they are the tender variety to save the corms for the following year, dig them up before the first frost is due, wash soil off, and cut the stems back leaving around a centimetre of stem. Dry the corms for 2–3 weeks in a warm, airy place. Store in mesh bags (or old nylon stockings) at 3 - 6C in a cool, dry, frost free area until it is time to replant.

Thanks Moongrower, I will go in search of some old tights. This website is brilliant - I have so many questions.........

Then keep asking...