Gardening SIG: Bulbs

From the III,4 Issue

Autumn is time for mums planted in half-barrels, and a clean up of most other gardens. The main activity for many gardeners in the fall, though, is the planting of bulbs. The time and effort put in now pay back in bright dollops of color in the first few weeks of spring.

Plan your Garden
What are you hoping to achieve? The wild, natural look of a field of daffodils? The stately elegance of stripes of tulip-color? Take out a pad of paper and draw what kinds of colors and density you’re hoping for. Many catalogs are on line now, and can be quickly browsed to find the best bargain. Closer to home, most garden, hardware, and retail stores carry bulbs during the fall. Think about any uncared for spots that might normally be neglected. Toss a few crocusses near a stair. Tuck daffodils in with the rocks along your front walk. You’d be surprised where they will look truly gorgeous. Don’t think in small numbers - about one or two bulbs in an area. While some spots might just want five daffodils, a large spread of tulips could look amazing in another. Think too about the particular color and texture of each flower set. How will it look amongst the other things which will grow shortly after it?

Inside and Out
I love staring out my windows, watching for birds and chipmunks. Don’t forget, while planning your garden, that it is for the house dwellers as well as the passer-bys. Tuck some bulbs in corners that are seen from certain windows. It might bring a smile to your face as you glance out and see the “hidden secret”.

Plant Properly
We’ve done articles before on bulb planting, but essentially make sure you know how deep to plant the bulbs, and be sure which way is up. Bulbs can survive under all sorts of conditions, but they of course do best when planted according to instructions. Mark where the bulbs are - you want to be sure not to create a snow pile on top of your prized tulips.

Photos of Bulb Flowers

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