Spotlight Area

"Spring Surprises Start in the Fall"

Featured in the September/October, 2003 Newsletter

It¹s time to lay the groundwork and underground work for a spectacular and colorful spring.

Few garden pleasures are more enjoyable than watching bulbs emerge from the soil after a long cold winter. October is the time of year to plan, shop for, and plant your spring color.

For the very best results, plan for color, height and bloom time.

The first step is to think about the colors that already exist in your garden. Are there other plants that will be blooming at the same time as the bulbs? What foliage colors will be near the bulbs? Are you looking for a bold splash of color or more soothing hues? Next, consider possible color combinations you could choose bulbs in various shades of the same color family or include dashes of contrast.

Always check the estimated height of the bulbs you purchase. This will help you determine where you place them in your garden.

Layering planting a mixture of tall and short varieties of different colored bulbs creates a very eye-pleasing display.

Plant large groups of 12-15 bulbs (³masses²) of the same variety or mix varieties. A dozen bulbs blooming in a group delivers a grand effect. You can plant them all in your favorite color, try subtle combinations, or you can go with a more vivid look of several contrasting colors. When massing the bulbs, make sure they aren¹t touching each other. Larger bulbs should be spaced 3 to 6² apart, and smaller ones 1 to 2² apart. Above all, do not plant them in a row unless you want a very formal look.

Bulbs can also be grouped according to their bloom times flowering in early, middle, or late spring. By planting all three varieties, you will have a continuous wave of flowers throughout the season.

Remember snuggled inside the brown jacket of each bulb you plant now rests a sensational flower ready to burst with breathtaking color this spring.