Winter Blahs
Winter Dreaming They’re calling it The Great Blizzard of 2011. And boy was it ever! In a snowstorm bigger than we’ve seen in over ten years, my piece of the world here in Wisconsin was definitely part of the one-third of the country that was hit. In fact, I sit here now, looking out a...
The Glory of Morning Glories
Oh, What a Beautiful Morning! So I’m going to let you all in on a little secret: I am NOT a morning person. Unlike my husband who can jump out of bed at a moment’s notice, I take serveral minutes (okay, more like several hours) to become human at the start of each day. Therefore,...
Planting Caladiums
Crazy for Caladiums! One of the best bulbs for shaded areas, but unfortunately also one of the most over-looked is the Caladium. Grown primarily for their foliage, these larger-leaved plants will add color to the shaded areas of a landscape all season long with their colorful leaves. A close relative of the sun-loving Elephant Ear,...
Planting Oriental and Asiatic Lilies
Lovely Lilies! The next type of spring-planted bulb that we are going to focus on is the Lilies. Perhaps one of the most well-known bulbs and one of the world’s best cutflowers, both Oriental and Asiatic Lilies are known for their spectacular color displays as well as their often intense, sweet fragrance. In this article,...
Planting Tuberous Begonias
Brilliant Begonias! The next type of spring-planted bulbs we’re going to focus on is the Tuberous Begonia. Known for their wonderful ability to grow in the shade, small habit and lush green foliage, these tubers make great addition to shady gardens and borders. In this article, we’ll review the advantages of using these beauties in...
Planting Dahlias
Caught in a Dahlia Daydream! The first type of spring-planted bulb we’re going to focus on is the Dahlia. Known for its vibrant colors and tightly-packed (often large) flower heads, the Dahlia is truly a wonder to behold in the summer garden. In this article, we’ll review the advantages of using these beauties in your...
When to Plant Flower Bulbs
What’s all this about Spring Planted Bulbs??? When you think of “flower bulbs” what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you immediate picture fields of tulips and daffodils, or maybe groupings of hyacinth. While this idea of bulbs is definitely a correct one, it is also somewhat limited. Did you realize that there...
Summer Garden Planning
Don’t be a grump just because it’s cold! Start your “summer dreaming” now! Beat the Winter Duldrums: Start Planning your Summer Garden TODAY! For those of us who live in “cold winter” areas, as Begonia and I do, right about now the snow is beginning to “lose its luster”. The holidays are over with nothing...
Which End of a Bulb should be Planted Up?
Which End is Up? One of the most popular questions asked by beginners to bulb gardening is, “How do I know which end of the bulb to plant up?” While the answer to this question can vary based on the type of bulb, generally speaking, the pointed end of the bulb should be planted up...
Spring Bulbs and Fall Bulbs in the Same Garden
This ‘F.M. Joyner’ Caladium is a great spring planted bulb for a garden which gets large amounts of shade in the summer. Spring or Fall Bulbs: Who Says You Have to Choose? “I had planted fall bulbs in a small garden area and now I am wondering if I am able to plant Spring bulbs...
Springtime Quote
Wise Dirt “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” ~Anne Bradstreet
Bulbs that can be Planted in the Spring
Did I Miss My Chance to Plant Bulbs? I’ve gotten several questions regarding tulips and daffodils from novice gardeners, wondering if they’re “too late” to plant these bulbs. My answer to these good-intentioned diggers in the dirt is yes. Unfortunately, these fall-planted bulbs need to be planted at the proper time in order to bloom...
