By Barb Levisay
In between the blustery fronts that sweep through Central Virginia in October and November, there are still lots of beautiful, warm days to get out and plant spring bulbs. While the soil is still warm, perennial bulbs have a chance to establish their roots and hunker down for the winter. Come spring, they will provide the early color to light up your garden before the other perennials kick in.
Flowers for you, not the deer
For most of us, deer resistance has to be high on the list of selection criteria for any plant you put in the garden. Daffodils are at the top of the list and hard to beat for dependable, early spring color. Daffodils need to be planted in full sun so their leaves can recharge the bulbs after the blooms are done. When planted in the right spot daffodils will multiply quickly so you can keep spreading their cheer at no cost. I’m digging well-established daffodils this week to spread them out and add them to another bed. Daffodils provide early color in perennial beds.
Daffodils provide early color in perennial beds.
Crocus and wood hyacinth (Spanish bluebell) are other bulbs that the deer have never touched in my garden. There are lots of varieties of both, so you can bring a range of colors to your spring gardens. Like daffodils, these plants will prosper and multiple with the right conditions. Some varieties of hyacinth will even do well in deep shade. As with all perennials, it’s important to match the plant to the conditions. Track the sun in your garden and locate plants where they get the right exposure. Hyacinth bloom with vibrant purple color.
Hyacinth bloom with vibrant purple color.
The joys and risks of tulips
Tulips are such a welcome sight in the spring, but there are multiple pests that will try to thwart your best efforts. I’ve had very mixed results over the years, but I love the rewards when they work. The first line of defense for tulips is to use fencing to protect them from squirrels and other diggers. Lay a section of wire fencing flat on top of the soil after you plant the bulbs. Tack it down with big staples or weight it with bricks around the edge and cover with mulch. The squirrels won’t be able to dig up the bulbs and the plants will grow right up through the fencing in the spring. Deer are also fond of tulips and, if given a chance, will nibble them off as soon as they emerge. Spraying with deer repellant as soon as greenery emerges seems to be the best defense. I’ve also found planting tulips close to the house in between shrubs has protected them. Tulips continue the show as daffodils are ending.
Tulips continue the show as daffodils are ending.
Planting and maintenance
If you have the package from the bulbs follow the directions, but as a rule of thumb bulbs should be planted at the depth three times their size. Plant them in well drained soil, adding bulb fertilizer to help them thrive. Cover them with a light layer of mulch and protect them from predators if needed. Water them in well to reduce air pockets in the soil, you want the bulbs to be fully encased by the dirt.
Big rewards for a little effort now
Nothing helps get you through those last weeks of winter than those pops of spring flowers. It just takes a little effort now and will deliver benefits for years to come. For more ideas on planting bulbs, there is a great article on Joe Gardener’s website.
Let me know if you have any questions at barb.levisay@gmail.com