"Cat" wrote in message
...

How do you get rid of ground elder's network of tough roots to be able
to plant spring flowering bulbs in a bed? Can I use soemthing like
Roundup, and will it get rid of the roots?

Glyphosate, of which Roundup is one example, is about the only thing which
will successfully eradicate ground elder, root and all. But remember that
is is active only when absorbed via the leaves of the plant.

Must it be applied while
the ground elder has all its leaves (I rather zealously zipped them
all, so if it does, I will have to wait till they show up again...)

Yes. The more active the growth is, the better the glyphosate works.

How long after a Roundup application can I plant the spring bulbs, and
how long more do I have to plant them in time to get flowers next
spring?

As soon as you wish, providing you are within the planting season. The
glyphosate is deactivated for all practical purposes within hours after it
hits the ground.
By the way, don't be in a hurry, as you are almost certainly already too
late to do something about it this year.

A bit demanding, I am... But an answer would be truly appreciated!

Thanks in advance to all the amateurs and experts!

Franz