Spring bulbs are the most welcome sight in gardening. Now, as the temperature begins to cool, is the perfect time to prepare an exciting spring show by planting daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, and tulips. As they explode from the ground in masses of color, they begin the growing season and assure us that milder weather is on the way. Gardeners are lucky that these harbingers of springtime are both beautiful and forgiving.

Many years ago when I was a complete novice, the success I had with a couple bags of 'February Gold' daffodils gave me confidence and propelled me down the gardener's path. Bulbs provide a foolproof floral display that brightens gardens, feeds the newly awakened bumblebee queens, and lifts our spirits. Selecting from the myriad of species and varieties is the hardest part. Once you have the bulbs, all that's left is proper placement and planting.

Choose a site where they will receive at least part sun throughout the spring. They look beautiful growing beneath deciduous trees, and there they will receive ample sunlight before the trees leaf out. Areas of constant shade, like the north side of a building, will not work as well because the plants need some sun to make food for future flowers. Also choose a spot with good drainage or the bulbs may rot. Amend poorly drained, heavy soils with organic matter to improve tilth and drainage. Alternatively, many gardeners simply plant bulbs in raised beds or berms.

The ideal planting depth depends on the size of the bulb. The general rule is to plant three times as deep as the bulb is wide. That means about 4 to 6 inches deep for small bulbs like snowdrops, crocuses, and scillas, and about 8 inches deep for large bulbs like hybrid tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Typically, smaller bulbs are spaced at about 16 per square foot and larger ones around 9 per square foot; but for maximum impact gardeners can plant them closer as long as they are not touching.

Planted en masse, the exuberant colors of spring bulbs make a grand statement. Because more is better, the shovel is my preferred planting tool. I can get more bulbs in the ground for less work. To duplicate the mass effect in your garden, buy fewer types of bulbs in larger quantities as opposed to many types of bulbs in fewer numbers. For example, instead of buying 10 bulbs each of five different types of tulips, buy 50 'Hemisphere' tulips for a dazzling display. Order with friends so you can share leftover bulbs and help each other dig.

Once they are planted, the gardener's work is done. The bulbs develop throughout winter, and with no assistance from us, start sprouting in early spring. All that's left for the gardener to do is admire the flowers and cut a few for vases.

Spring bulbs are especially stunning when combined with other spring flowers. Add them under crab apple trees, amidst wildflowers, and alongside spring annuals for memorable combinations. Also interplant them with each other. Placing crocus with mid season daffodils and late tulips gives a succession of blooms from one planting. Or choose varieties that bloom at the same time for a vivid explosion of flowers.

For the novice and master gardener spring bulbs are great plants. Whether you are growing a common 'Carlton' daffodil or a not-so-common fritillaria, success is easy. Even beginners can feel confident to experiment with new and exciting varieties. Start planning and selecting now for a spectacular spring.

Happy Gardening!

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Thought for the week!

~ Edwin Way Teale ~