Country Gardens – July 2019

FRITILLARIA

1.

Fritillaria meleagris

2.

F. persica

3.

F. imperialis

MID-LATE DAFFODILS1.

Narcissus willkommii

2.

N

. ‘Pipit’

3.

N. '

A

ct

ea

'

MID SEASON

TULIPS

1.

Tulipa

‘Monsella’

2.

T. clusiana

‘Peppermint Stick’

3.

T. bifl ora

CRITTER CONTROLSquirrels, deer, rabbits, voles, and other critters love to munch on tulips, crocus, and some other bulbs. Fortunately, daffodils, alliums, and fritillarias taste bad; their inclusion in a garden can help stave off an invasion. For smaller plantings, surround bulbs with a chicken wire cage at planting time to keep underground eaters or diggers at bay.

PURCHASING POINTERSOrder spring-blooming bulbs from online and catalog sources beginning in midsummer; local nurseries and home centers typically begin selling them in early fall. Look for fi rm bulbs that are free of rot, insect damage, and defects. Store bulbs in a cool, dry place until it’s time to plant. TIMING ADVICEThe best time to start planting hardy spring-blooming bulbs such as tulips, daffodils (

Narcissus

spp.), hyacinths, and

crocus is when the soil is 40°F–50°F—typically after the fi rst frost while the soil is still workable. In warmer climates where the ground might not freeze (Zones 8–11), bulbs need a 6- to 10-week prechill time in the fridge before they’re planted. Check plant labels for chilling recommendations.

PLACEMENT PLANNING Because bulbs are team players, there are lots of eye-catching ways to work them into the garden. To grow striking sweeps of color, plant clusters of crocus, grape hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils in groups of 20 or more in the lawn or a large border. To create a “wild” effect: Dig a wide hole 8 inches deep. Plant a layer of bulbs for taller plants such as tulips, daffodils, and alliums 4–6 inches apart. Cover with a layer of soil; sprinkle on bulbs of smaller varieties at their required depth then top with more soil. If your garden is tightly planted, intermix bulbs throughout the landscape using a bulb planter or trowel to dig single holes between perennials.

PLANTING DOSPlant bulbs in well-draining soil that gets lots of sun in early spring. Dig and loosen the soil about 8 inches deep. Mix in compost if soil is very heavy clay or loose sand. Plant bulbs at a depth approximately three times their diameter; plant them about an inch shallower in clay soils and an inch deeper in sandy soils. Place bulbs pointy side up with the root end down. If it’s too hard to tell which end is which, place the bulb on its side (bulbs will typically self-right themselves). After planting, fi ll in the hole and gently tamp down soil without compacting it. Water well, but don’t water again unless fall weather remains unusually dry.

ALLIUM

1.

Allium caeruleum

2. Drumstick

(A. sphaerocephalon)

3.

A.

‘Millennium‘

4.

A.

‘Globemaster’

30ʺ 25ʺ 20ʺ 15ʺ 10ʺ 5ʺ 5ʺ 10ʺ

1

1

1

2

2

2

3

3

3

4

1

2

3

15

COUNTRY GARDENS

// FA LL 2019

DARWIN & LATE TULIPS1.

Tulipa

Flaming Parrot

2.

T.

‘J i m m y ’

3.

T.

‘A laddin’