Fall has always been my favourite season, despite that whole going back-to-school thing when I was younger. As I get more interested in gardening, I’ve found a new reason to love fall (as if I needed another…scarves, boots, crunchy leaves and that smell!) But my new reason is one many gardeners can understand. It’s the excitement of finding new bulbs to plant. I’ve been … [Read more...] about Recommended flower bulbs
bulbs
Naturalizing minor bulbs
It’s high season for minor bulbs in my garden, the kind I need to plant only once, counting on to spread into colonies of long-lasting flower carpets year after year. That might sound like fantasy — but it happens! First among these obliging spreaders is glory of the snow (Chionodoxa forbesii), which has up-facing French blue flowers with gleaming white throats. I once … [Read more...] about Naturalizing minor bulbs
Last-minute narcissus
In the process of moving perennials around the garden, many little bulbs of purple fumitory (Corydalis solida) were uncovered. This is an ephemeral plant that carpets the ground with beautiful purple haze starting in April, but disappears by the end of June in my garden. The bulbs are small and sometimes costly, but just a handful will quickly multiply (by seed and offsets), … [Read more...] about Last-minute narcissus
Minor bulbs make a big impact
This slow, cool spring is frustrating for gardeners, but good for perennial plants. Their roots are growing in the soil, weeks ahead of first shoots appearing above ground. New root growth enlarges their clumps, and they’ll be better prepared for summer droughts that may be ahead. The cool dampness also prolongs the bulb display, giving us a long look at the spring garden. This … [Read more...] about Minor bulbs make a big impact
