Home Renovations    -   Landscaping and Plants       Spring Garden Preparation - Project #3 Spring Bulbs Bulbs remain underground, half-forgotten and untended until they burst into flower in the bask of spring's first warm rays. Long before the rest of the garden seems to be growing, daffodils and tulips emerge with brilliant blooms. The secret to their early flowering is in the bulb-the powerhouse of stored plant energy. This food energy, in the form of carbohydrate, powers the rapid growth of the leaves and flowers in early spring. Once the leaves are mature they will begin converting sunlight, oxygen and water into energy which will be stored in the bulb to fuel next season's growth. This is why it's important to not cut off the foliage when you cut off dead flowers. Bulbs reproduce not through seeds but by forming additional bulbs. If you dig up a bulb which has been left undisturbed for a few years you'll notice new bulbs growing in a congested clump around the original bulb. These offshoots can be carefully sliced off and replanted in an area where they will have room to reach full size. Buying Healthy Bulbs Look for bulbs that are large, fat and firm. Mushy or unusually lightweight bulbs may be old or diseased. Some bulbs come with 'baby bulbs' attached and these are a good way to get two for the price of one. You may want to plant them as you bought them and then separate the bulbs at the end of the first growing season so all are of adequate size. Avoid bulbs that show signs of fungal disease-they may be soft, brown or smelly. *Note: Bulbs are often dusted with fungicide powder. Always wash your hands after handling bulbs. Good Varieties Bluebells - Despite the name, bluebells are available in white, pink and of course blue. The delicate drooping flowers are a great addition to borders or under trees since they are more shade-tolerant than other bulbs. Daffodils - These flowers salute spring with vibrant shades of yellow and orange although you can find many colours (and shapes) of daffodils. This bulb is inexpensive and virtually indestructible. Freesias - Freesias are some of the most fragrant flowers you'll find. Usually the old-fashioned white and cream coloured varieties are more fragrant than the reds and pinks. The bulbs are not very cold hardy and must be dug up in the fall, stored in a cool, dry place (sawdust in a box in a dry garage is good), then replanted in the spring. If you want fragrant, long lasting blooms this plant is ideal. This is one of the rare bulbs which do better in a large pot than in the garden. Hyacinths are available in white, pink, or lavender. Tulips - Tulips come in a vast array of colours, sizes, shapes and blooming times. They are well suited to the Canadian climate-in winter the bulbs are far enough below ground to be protected from frostbite and in summer the soil remains cool enough to discourage the fungus which plagues tulips in warmer regions. Check planting instructions for selected varieties-some should be planted in fall while others can be planted in March and April. Planting Basics You can either disperse the bulbs throughout your garden or do a mass planting to create an attractive border or add a focal point. For single plantings, dig a hole about twice as wide as the bulb and to a depth of 15 to 20 cm (6-8 inches) depending on the variety (most packages come with specific instructions). Add a small handful of a bone meal/bulb fertilizer mixture. Make sure the bulb is upright with the hairy root-like side down and the peak pointing upwards. Carefully cover with soil. For mass plantings, dig a bed to the depths described above but ensure the width allows at least 15 cm (6 inches) between each bulb. Bulbs can be a great trouble-free and pest-free addition to your garden. In just one afternoon you can plant enough bulbs for a beautiful summer garden. Start digging! Return to: Landscaping and Plants Please note: when using Modern Living's forms please fill out all REQUIRED FIELDS, or the form will not work. Thank you. Modern Living has answers to your questions and more professional tips to make your real estate transaction more pleasurable. Call or e-mail us or click on "Ask Your Own Questions." We can send you information on any Property Listed For Sale on the Multiple Listing Service in the Ottawa area. If you would like us to help you locate a home, please fill out our Information Request Form. Or perhaps you are considering selling your home in the near future, we can also offer you a Complimentary No Obligation Market Evaluation Form © 2011 - Modern Living Realty Inc., Brokerage Designed and maintained by: John Smillie / Lasting Impressions