It's time. That's right. You may not FEEL like doing it... but trust me... you'll be happy you did in March and April. It's time to put in spring bulbs. And, if you haven't already picked up some bulbs to add to your garden, now is the time to get them before you miss the magic window.
WHICH ONES
Last year during our first fall season in the Amberwood house, I added about 20 Daffodil bulbs and 3 giant white Allium. When those came up this past Spring, I was so glad I had taken the trouble. Especially, since we were in quarantine lock-down at the time! This year, I've purchased Crocus, 2 giant purple Allium, and something I've never tried before called Giant Snowflake. These kind of look like big snowdrops but with pretty green accents on the blooms. I picked the Crocus because they are early bloomers and a great spirit-lifter when spring still feels far away. The Allium are an old favorite of mine. They are in the Onion and Garlic family and the ones I've chosen get about 4 feet tall. They have a large round globe of small flowers and look like something Dr. Seuss dreamt up!
We have lots of deer that come around as well as rabbits, squirrels, and about 500 chipmunks in residence, so I try to select bulbs that they won't be interested in for dinner. This is one of the reasons why I generally don't plant tulips. Squirrels LOVE to eat tulip bulbs and if you don't cover and secure the planting spot, you'll never see a single bloom. Also, modern tulip hybrids only tend to bloom for a few seasons, requiring you to start over every few years. I'd rather put my time and money into blooms that last longer or even naturalize over time. Bearded Iris (while technically rhizomes and not bulbs) are great for this effect. Put in a few and in a few years time, you can divide them and spread them all around the garden for free!
HOW TO DO IT
Pick the right spot. All spring flowering bulbs want sun, but remember, when many of these are in bloom, the leaves are not on the trees yet, meaning you can plant them in spots that get shady in the summer (such as under big trees).
Dig a hole big enough to cluster multiple bulbs together. I usually plant 3-5 per hole. The hole should be about 6 inches deep. (Note: Iris like to be planted close to the soil surface... only about 1 inch deep).
Plant bulbs pointy side UP!
Don't skimp. Buy lots of bulbs if you can, and plant them in larger waves for BIG impact. I often start smaller and add more every year to spread out costs and labor over time.
Divide in the spring. Once the flowers are done blooming, you can carefully dig up the bulbs and separate any tiny bulbs that have begun to grow off the larger ones. You can move those little ones to other parts of your garden.
I hope you take the time to put some spring flowering bulbs in! You will be so glad you did!
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