46 birdsandblooms.com OCTOBER (^) I NOVEMBER 2017
Keep critters out. Squirrels and mice love
digging up and snacking on freshly planted
bulbs. To prevent their free buffet, either grow
animal-resistant bulbs or lay wire mesh over the
beds, then stake or weigh it down with stones.
Remove once you see shoots in spring.
DA ZZLING DISPL AYS
Use these ideas to get your green thumb in gear.
Cluster for color. If you don’t have a lot of
space, group one or two varieties together to
create maximum impact. Concentrating color
in small spaces delivers the most bang for your
buck. Think bright, contrasting color if you’re
the adventurous type. Muted pastels offer
something more elegant.
Succession splendor. Select a few varieties with
different bloom times. Intermingling early-,
mid- and late-season bloomers sets the stage for
an entire season of showstopping color.
Create layers. Adopt the double-decker
technique and plant small, earlier flowering
types such as crocus or scilla on top of larger
mid- to late-spring blooming bulbs—tulips,
daffodils and alliums.
Live on the edge. Use spring bulbs to edge
early-season perennial beds and walkways.
The blooms provide welcome color to areas of
the yard that are just starting to show signs of
life. An added bonus? If you plant them behind
the perennials, emerging plants hide the spent
bulb’s foliage as it fades.
Contain yourself. Force bulbs to bloom early
by storing them in the refrigerator eight to 16
weeks, depending on variety. Keep them away
from fresh fruit and veggies, as their gases
cause spoilage. Once they’re properly chilled,
transfer to a container filled with good quality
potting mix. Store the container in an unheated
garage or cellar until new growth emerges.
Keep them in a cool, bright location indoors to
enjoy spring a bit early. Then move them to a
sunny location outside where you can enjoy
the view. •
Rachael Liska, a freelance garden
writer and editor, has a thing for
double daffodils. Find more of her
work at wordwhimsy.com.
Plant Prinses
Irene tulip bulbs
in clusters for
an impressive
spring display.
Cool Flame
daffodil
5 Must-Grow Bulbs
Cool Flame daffodil: A large-cupped variety with
snow-white petals and a bright coral trumpet.
Early Fantasy fritillaria: Stately with a crown of
lance-shaped leaves atop large apricot blooms.
Prinses Irene tulip: A bicolor that features fiery
orange petals kissed with purple flames.
Purple Sensation allium: Near-perfect magenta
spheres on slender stems are sure to stun.
Sky Jacket hyacinth: Blue flowers are hard to
come by but this one is a must-grow.
LEFT TO RIGHT: W. ATLEE BURPEE COMPANY; VISI51257 VISIONS BV, NETHERLANDS/VISIONSPICTURES & PHOTOGRAPHY
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