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Show Page 6 The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume I, Issue XII September 1999 Plant Bulbs Now for Spring Splendor By Sandra S. Jenkins April showers bring May flowers, but only if you plant your bulbs in the fall. Bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and several others need the chill of winter to bloom in the spring. Since winter hangs on so long and night time temperatures remain cool enough to prohibit much in the way of early planting up here, planting fall bulbs to bring spring flowers as early as possible is worth the effort. Put a little planning into your planting and you can make this colorful display last for weeks. Most bloom times are classified as early, midspring, or late spring. Height is also an important factor to consider when choosing what to plant where. Here are a few choices to try. The sight of a crocus is the first sign of spring at my house. Their tiny cups open in the morning and close when the light begins to fade. Just four inches high and ranging in colors of blue, gold, white, and orange, the crocus does best in full sun or dappled shade. Common grape hyacinth, with its bright blue color, is another favorite. Plant in masses for a brilliant display. It grows six inches high and comes in white or blue. Grape hyacinths like sun to partial shade, and bloom in midspring. Hyacinth is a fragrant delight with its curly petals of blue, purple, pink, crimson, white or orange. It grows eight to twelve inches high, and blooms in late spring. It makes a great combination with tulips, but put them in front of the tulips so they don’t disappear. Tulips come in an amazing variety of colors, heights—from 4 to 30 inches, differing bloom times, and petal shapes such as the long, pointed lily varieties. If all you have ever had are the basic yellow and red tulips, it’s time to get a little daring and try something new. In fact, here is a challenge: try anything but yellow and red. Choose some tall varieties and some shorter ones to plant in front of them. If you want certain colors together, make sure they have similar bloom times. Then choose some that bloom later in a different color scheme. You’ll have bright spring blooms for weeks with no springtime effort. It’s also a good idea to mark where you plant bulbs so that you don’t forget and dig them up accidentally. I love the cheeriness of daffodils and narcissus, but they aren’t just limited to the traditional yellow-gold. My favorites have white outer petals and peach or pink inner petals. Heights range from miniatures at four inches up to larger varieties at 14 to 20 inches tall. They multiply freely and have a long bloom time. Allium is a member of the onion family and stands out with its pompom shape and sometimes spiky texture. You can choose from a wide variety of bloom times from early to late spring. Heights range from 9 to 14 inches to giants at 24 to 44 inches tall. Stick them in the back for height and eyecatching interest. Color selections include pink, purple, white and rose. Fritillaria is a drooping, bell-shaped flower with clusters of yellow or red blossoms in heights to 36 inches. It is a late spring bloomer. These are beautiful and underused. Explore local nurseries for even more options to try. There are many, many more. New varieties are available every year. So don’t get stuck in a rut. Try something new. Prepare the soil before planting bulbs by spading and adding finished compost. Bulbs do well if fertilized in the spring. After bulbs bloom, cut off the spent flowers, but leave the foliage until it is withered and dry. The bulbs receive nutrients from the leaves that store energy for next spring’s growth. Cutting the leaves off too soon will diminish next year’s blooms. If you have rodent problems, plant bulbs in wire mesh or a wire basket to keep chewing mice and gophers away. Don’t confuse the bulbs listed here, which need the chill of winter, with other bulbs and tubers that will not survive the cold of winter, bulbs such as dahlia, gladiolus, and cannas. Be daring, choose some fun color combinations and next spring you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Dried Flowers MWreaths M Baskets Special Orders Gardens of Eden 2111 N. 5500 East Come by and see our dried flowers. Grown and dried right here in Eden. Open daily, except Sundays. Call Sandra at 745-1932 Located west side of Eden Park. Fall Sale - Preserved statice $2.50 @ bunch Yarrow, larkspur, golden rod, celosia, feverfew, lavender and more. Stick Wreaths Corn Top Wreaths Special Orders W elcome. Welcome. Formerly Toyn’s Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Closed Sunday & Monday 10 - 50 % off Selected Trees, Shrubs & Flowering Perennials Farmer’s Market: Corn, Squash, Fresh Super Mild Garlic Put Your Orders in for Tomatoes & Peaches 8588 East 100 South Huntsville UT 84317 745-3130 5 FREE Spring Bulbs While Supplies Last - Must Have Coupon |