Time for Bulb Planting

I am always scouring the shelves of the local nurseries looking for bulbs at the end of Fall so I was thrilled when I was in Costco and got a huge bag of 90 daffodil bulbs, wow!

Yes, Costco is not a local nursery but they do have good quality bulbs.  Remember that the deer resistant bulbs like daffodils, narcissus, iris, grape hyacinth, etc always sell out fast.  Tulips are deer candy!!!

The key for healthy bulbs and a a good looking planting is to always plant more than you think you should.  Bulbs can also rot so make sure you have amended well draining soil.

I like to layer my bulbs so I have grape hyacinth or siberian squill coming up among the daffodils.

Plant away and look forward to spring!

Spring Bulbs

Fall is the time to plant your garden beds full of hope using spring bulbs.  It is best to buy them sooner rather than later so you can get a good selection, and plant them anytime before the ground freezes, but not too early, the soil should be around 55 degrees for best root development.

Bulbs like well draining and nutritious soil, otherwise they might drown or rot.  Some companies say that not much fertilizer is needed until spring, but since the soil in Central Oregon is almost sterile, I do suggest that you mix in some compost with a little bone meal to your planting area for best results.

Plant the bulbs where you will appreciate them the most, taking care to ensure that they get some sunlight. Daffodils need at least six hours of sun to really do their best, and look stunning when planted together with Muscari or other blue flowering bulb.

There are many shade tolerant or light shade varieties, usually called woodland varieties. Some of these are Squill, Snowdrops and Winter Wolf's Bane.  I would love to one day plant a woodland area with thousands of bulbs, allowing them to create a carpet of spring color, wouldn't that be amazing!

This is an image of English Bluebell taken by Clive Nichols at Coton Manor in England, stunning.

Other varieties to consider are Allium, Fritillaria, Camassia and Snake's Head.  Whenever I see these in a landscape it always makes me stop an extra moment to enjoy the view.  Do something different these year, plant Alliums and Fritillaria's!

Allium

 

Fritillaria

 

Camassia

 

 

Snake's Head

 

I think these Snake's Head would look great in a meadow planting, they bloom early to mid season so could be followed by Columbine (perennial, not a bulb) and Daisy.

 

 

Spring bulbs bring much joy and promise.  They are like a fantastic secret hidden under the cold soil waiting to surprise you come spring.  Plant bulbs in masses and add a smile to your garden.



 



It's that time of year for . . . patience

I was out on Monday doing a little yard clean up for a client and I do believe it was the first of more very nice, not too cold Spring days.

The crocus and snowdrops are up, the daffodils and hyacinth are beginning to poke their heads through the soil, and the hellebores are coming along as well.  I must say that I think Spring is here.

I do love Spring, all the promise of a new season, warmer weather, going outside without putting on layers of clothing and getting to play in the garden again.

But before we get too excited . . . . . wait.

We will get more freezing weather and storms and our planting season doesn't officially begin until Memorial Day weekend.  Most of us (me included) have gotten excited and planted things too early that got bit by a freeze and was lost.

What you can do is clean up.  Prune out any broken or damaged tree limbs. Trim down those ornamental grasses and perennials from last year.  Rake up your pine needles and add a hefty dose of compost to all your planting beds. Plan how you want your yard and/or garden to be like this year if you haven't already.

Soon you can also plant trees, shrubs and hardy perennials since the soil is no longer frozen.  When planting, build up a water well to hold the water in around them.  And, remember to water them regularly by hose until your irrigation system is turned on.

Speaking of irrigation, I highly recommend Miller Irrigation if you don't already have a company you are happy with.  I know Scott Miller and his family and they are knowledgeable good hard workers.  You can get a hold of them at 541-388-0190 to help you get your system turned on and tuned up.

Happy Spring!