bulb planting notebook
D e s i g n k n o w
- h o w
Bulbs play a variety of parts inyourgarderTs
springshow,from supporting cast to
starring roles.
POWER IN NUMBERSThough dazzling
to look at, the elaborate formal designs
commonly used in botanic gardens don’t
translate well to homegardens. Instead,
use masses of simpler combinations of two
or three colors, laid out in informal shapes
and forms that follow the lines ofyour beds.
INTERPLANTING
Pansies,
above
, are winter hardy, so they
can be planted in fall along with
bulbs for a great spring show.
COLOR COMBOS
Choosing
color combos that bloom
simultaneously,
left,
is a
challenge. If you are unsure
about mixing colors, start with
prepackaged combinations.
LATE BLOOMERS
To disguise
unattractive, aging bulb foliage,
mingle bulbs such as these
a liums,
below,
among perennials.
‘N a t u r a liz in g ” b u lb s b lo o m
e v e ry y e a r, so y o u c a n p la n t
th e m o n c e a n d e n jo y th e m
e v e ry s p rin g . P a c k a g e s
w ill te ll y o u i f th e b u lb s
w il l n a t u r a li
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SPOTS OF COLOR Small groups of bulbs
tucked among perennials, shrubs, or rocks
create bright accents. Use types with large
flowers such as daffodils, tulips,and alliums,
and group several together so they make a
strongvisual statement.
WILDFLOWER MEADOWS Squill, crocus,
and grape hyacinth are spectacular when
blooming by the hundreds in early spring,
and they readily naturalize. This makes them
suitable for mass plantings in lawns and
under trees to create flowery “meadows.”
Fora natural look, toss them by the handful,
then plant where they land.
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OCTOBER 2008 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
PHOTOS: (ALLIUMS. PANSIES) PETE KRUMHARDT; (TULIPS) JAY WILDE
