GARDEN FANATIC: Bulbs are perfect for beginning gardeners

“This bud... May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.” — William Shakespeare

“...be sure to stop and smell the flowers.” — New York Times.

With the weather absolutely perfect, traffic diminished and parking almost plentiful, I focus my attention toward the prospect of bulbs. Long a fascination for gardeners, many can be counted on to bloom annually, after disappearing and returning from the depths of the soil. Most bulbs live for years, and it is part of garden magic to anticipate their yearly return.

Bulbs are the ideal beginner’s plants. Because their flower buds are already formed inside the bulbs at the time of purchase, the gardener is practically assured of flowers the next season, unless he or she commits some significant cultural error. With minimum care of moisture, light and food, bulbs will succeed almost anywhere.

The best place to shop for bulbs is at your favorite nursery. You can inspect the bulbs, purchasing only the best ones. Bulbs vary in size and quality, so look carefully before you buy. Generally, the larger bulbs will produce more flowers at blooming time. Much like selecting fruit at the market, choose firm bulbs, avoiding the mushy ones. Do not buy bulbs that are infested with insects or diseases. Prior to planting, tulip, daffodil and crocus bulbs should be chilled (not frozen, shaken or stirred) in the refrigerator for eight weeks.

Most bulbs prefer a sunny locale and a soil that is not too acidic; a pH of 6.5 to 7.0 is desirable. It is important that the soil drains well. Bulbs can rot if they sit in soggy soil. Heavy, clay soils can be improved by adding redwood compost, peat moss or leaf mold. Unlike nitrogen, phosphorous moves slowly downward, so superphosphate or bone meal should be added at the depth of the future root zone of the bulbs.

The general rule that a bulb should be planted at a depth equal to twice its width is usually safe.

However, in light sandy soils, they should be planted a little deeper, and in heavier soils, a little shallower.

Tall growers, such as gladiolus and lilies, need the extra support of deep planting to ensure they grow upright. Even then, some bulbs often require stakes for support.

The best time to apply fertilizer is when the first shoots appear. A low nitrogen “bloom” fertilizer is better for bulbs than one high in nitrogen.

An organic mulch to cover the bulbs helps to keep the weeds down, retains moisture and improves the general soil condition and appearance.

Besides the obvious use of bulbs in garden beds and pots, they are successful in informal lawns and “forgotten” areas of your garden.

Masses of blooms remind one to take advantage of the entire garden. Narcissus and hyacinth can be grown in water and pebbles, bringing wonderful flowers and fragrance indoors.

It seems natural I should play bulbs with Catharine. They have added an ineffable touch to our garden and outlook.

Their prodigious display and brilliance of color have shown us that, prior to narcissi, daffodils and Buster, our life was never entirely complete. See you next time.