Get Excited About Bulbs!
Next spring is probably far from your mind but now is the perfect time to plan for those first splashes of color which will be so welcome after whatever winter throws at us this year! Tuck-In Bulbs are small, easy to plant, early bloomers and the very first source of nectar and pollen for returning bees. Site them near the front door, mailbox or garage doors; tuck them into rock gardens, pop them under deciduous trees or scatter them at the edge of the lawn. Plant them in abundance for the greatest effect and keep the look informal.
Our spring-flowering bulbs are starting to arrive at Acer Gardens and will all be available in September. Planting can begin after the first frost … you can have blooms from late March to early May by planting some of these:
Allium
Featuring a wide range of flower sizes, alliums bloom from late spring through early summer. They add an architectural look to the garden and are wonderful as cut flowers or dried.
Camassia
Blooming after the daffodils, camassia needs regular moisture to thrive. Stalks stand 24-30" tall, increasing yearly and suitable for cut flowers.
Chionodoxa
With sprays of small, starlike flowers, this early spring bulb naturalizes happily in rock and woodland gardens.
Crocus
Often the earliest flower we see in the spring, crocus are happy in partial shade. Only 4-6" tall, they are easy to grow and will naturalize.
Galanthus
Signaling the end of winter, snowdrops have literally been known to poke through snow! The white, nodding flowers are lovely when massed.
Hyacinth
Available in many colors, hyacinths bloom from early to mid-spring. They are fragrant and pest-resistant.
Hyacinthoides
Bluebells, both the Spanish and English varieties are happy in partial shade. Forming clusters, these blue flowers are a welcome sign of spring.
Leucojum aestivum
The Giant Snowdrops bloom in late Spring topping out at 12". Plant in large clusters to showcase the clear white flowers.
Daffodils/Narcissus
Light up the spring sky with these yellow and white trumpets of Spring! Avoid wet soil and strong afternoon sun. Many cultivars will live for years and deer hate them!
Scilla siberica
Still called Siberian Squill by many people, these tiny (4") sky-blue flowers grow on strong stems. Give them sun to part shade; they may self-sow.
Tulips
Be sure to give tulip bulbs several hours of direct sunlight to that they will produce full-sized flowers in the spring. Try to avoid warm afternoon sun spots with wind. Plant en masse and enjoy the color impact!
