Spending on spring already


Lame as it is, the new Woodbine bulb campaign I mocked so heartily over at Garden Rant has gotten me thinking about my fall bulb order. Not that it takes much to make that happen.

Bulb planning is what enlivens the dog days of the declining late summer/early autumn garden. I think about bulbs I want to force, bulbs I want to plant en masse outside, and bulbs I want for container planting (not the same as forcing). I think about species tulips and ephemerals that will perennialize (more or less) throughout the garden. I think about fall-planted lilium. I think about amaryllis (hippeastrum). And then I order them.

I'm guessing most gardeners don't enjoy the process of planning the bulb garden as much as I do. (Otherwise, why would a ridiculous promotional campaign be needed?) They'd like bulbs to act as most perennials do-get planted and return every year with a certain amount of maintenance. And I know many gardeners claim that their bulbs do just that. Indeed, daffs, species tulips, alliums, and a few others will certainly return quite reliably. Reliability can be boring though. That's why I plan for different varieties of hybrid tulips and daffodils and force different tazettas and hyacinths ( as well as come tulips) inside every year. It's somewhat extravagant (though probably less than a pair of expensive shoes each year), but it's fun.

Let the fun begin.

Comments

NHGarden said…
Bulbs are an investment in the future of the garden... I guess it's not much different than buying seeds. I have a list started of the seeds I want to start indoors this winter :)
Lona said…
I have my order in too.:-) I am even earlier this year with the order since this summer has not been the best in the garden. I am moving on.I am so ready for spring after winter that I want to plant those bulbs to get those early blooms.
Kimberley said…
I bought several $25 worth of bulbs at Home Depot yesterday! Paper whites, Siberian iris, and pink Angelique tulips for forcing indoors after the bright Christmas decorations have been packed away, and two dozen tall allium for the yard. This is just the beginning!
I'm going out a limb this year and ordering 100 bulbs from a Colorblends mix. It's ambitious I know but what I don't use in the garden, I'll put in the veggie garden for cut flowers. Wish me luck.
teric said…
Planning out my bulbs and the garden is probably my favorite thing to do. I love the thought of arranging it and how it will develop into my idea of my dream garden. Of course, it never turns out that way....

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