Planting Bulbs
2006.10.18
I decided to plant some bulbs at the north end of the west garden. So I went to Portland Nursery today and picked out several types. I also bought a handful at Lowes.
My plan was to layer the bulbs on top of each other in this area. Different bulbs are planted at different depths (the package usually tells you how deep), and come up at different times. By planting them in layers like this, you get variety, and an extended season of color as different flowers come and go. At least that’s what they say… I’ve never done this before. But don’t you love how authoritative I sound?
First I dug a hole about a foot deep, or so. Ok it was supposed to be that deep, but I didn’t quite make it. Anyway, then I put in a layer of sand in the bottom. Bulbs apparently need good drainage, so this should help.
Next came a layer of potting soil, again to help with drainage. Then, the first set of bulbs.
Then, more soil (this time a mix of garden soil and compost), and another layer of bulbs. And then another layer of soil and a third layer of bulbs.
I filled in soil the rest of the way up, and then replaced the bark mulch on top of that. I was worried about the seemingly shallow hole, so I kinda skimped on the separation between layers of bulbs along the way… and ended up with the top layer deeper than it needed to be. Oh well, from what I’ve read online, that just means they might come up a week or two later than they would otherwise. No big deal.
The bulbs I planted are, in order of bloom time, Winter Aconite, Crocus, Scillia, Glory of the Snow, Anemones, Grape Hyacinths, Daffodils, Tulips, Hyacinths, and Freesia.
2006.11.25
Uh… it’s November… aren’t you guys a little early?
Hardy Banana