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It is quite difficult to generalize about the blooming season
for flowering plants, particularly spring bulbs. Exact time
of bloom depends on several factors and planting location
is one of them. Generally, bulbs planted in a south-facing
site will flower earlier than those planted in an area that
receives a northern exposure.
When
planting minor bulbs, it's worthwhile to remember that a plant
or two here and there will be lost visually, so be generous
and arrange them in groups of 10 or so and in drifts of several
clumps. Also, water them well after planting, as this settles
the soil around the bulbs and encourages new root development.
These early roots are critical for winter survival.
If you want to protect your precious bulbs from being eaten,
choose critter-resistant types. All of the above seem to be
squirrel-, mouse- and deer-proof, at least in my garden. Black,
powdered blood meal acts as an effective repellent. After
bulbs are planted and have been generously watered, put your
gardening gloves on and sprinkle a handful of blood meal on
the planting site. While it's odorless to humans, any passing
animal gets a clear message. It's useful to use again in the
spring as a pest repellent when bulbs sprout. However, be
careful and apply it sparingly, as it is also a nitrogen-rich,
water-soluble fertilizer. If you are too generous, it will
result in overly lush foliage and in extreme cases, it will
burn plants due to its excessive ammonia content.
Create a spring garden of continuous color with minor bulbs
and don't be surprised if the cheerful show starts when daffodils
and tulips are still asleep. Minor bulbs are hardy early bloomers
that can brave even a late snowstorm. Like most bulbs, they
usually flower for two to three weeks and then the foliage
disappears as the plants go dormant before midsummer. These
tiny beauties are easy to grow and are vigorous without becoming
weedy. They self-seed easily, and some of them spread rapidly
by producing baby bulbs. These reliable plants come back every
spring and become better year after year.
Gina Dobrodzicka
Master Gardener
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