Spring Flowering Bulbs in the Landscape
Spring is my favourite season.
That's when everything and everyone springs to life!
I plant spring bulbs every Fall and in early spring that's when I find out which ones the squirrels and chipmunks didn't like.
I plant mostly Daffodils, Tulips, Hyacinths, Crocuses, Scilla, Snowdrops and Alliums.
I start planting my bulbs ( Zone 5 ) in early Fall with a handful of bonemeal, compost and mix it all in with the surrounding soil.
In the spring I add another handful of bonemeal and spoil them again with more compost.
I also like planting my spring bulbs in large groups.
Minimum of 5 bulbs per group. I usually do seven or the contents of what's in the bag and end up with one large group. :)
I found that most bulbs don't like wet feet. However, regular gardening soil and a sunny location will keep most bulbs happy.
If they're planted in wet clay soil with poor drainage, spring bulbs will rot.
Spring bulbs are pretty easy to grow.
I do plant some of my
bulbs in wire cages to keep the chipmunks and squirrels from damaging them.
Naturalizing Spring Bulbs:
Daffodils, Crocuses, Grape Hyacinth, Scilla and Snow drops are ideal for naturalizing.
Pick a spot out of the way that the bulbs will remain undisturbed until there're finished their growing cycle and just plant them. It won't matter if they are in groups. In time they will multiply and look natural in their own surroundings. This methods looks great under trees and rock gardens.
Mulching
Deep mulching over winter is a good idea for hardy bulbs if your soil is susceptible to heaving during a heavy frost. Which my soil is and then in the spring that's when you find your bulbs growing on top of the soil.
I push mine back in the ground and appologize to my plants for my laziness. :)
If your soil is dry during the growing season, mulch will help retain water and keep weeds at bay.
Chopped leaves, straw, shredded newspaper and dry grass clippings can be used as a mulch and it saves a lot of headaches.
Dead Heading
Dead heading keeps plants looking tidy and instead of the bulb trying to grow seeds, it will direct its energy into growing food for next year's blooms.
Ripening Foliage
This is hard to watch.
You can interplant your spring bulbs with perennials so it won't be so noticeable.
I wait and I wait for the foliage to turn brown, but eventually I go out-there and give all of my spring bulbs a 4" crew cut. I even remind myself that my beautibul spring bulbs need the green leaves to make food and replenish the bulb for next year. No patience here. :)
Tools
- I just use a pointed trowel and the bulb planter stays in the tool shed. The bulb planter is like a can with a handle. So, you can only make one hole at the time with the bulb planter, anyway. :)
With roots and rocks in the way, it's pretty hard to use anything else, but come spring it will all be worth it.
Happy Gardening!