Spring bulbs in the garden

Published March 8, 2010 | By Jane

Spring bulbs in the garden

Crocosmia is a colorful early-blooming bulb that gophers do not bother

Here’s a little video showing you some of the smaller, early spring bulbs blooming in the garden. These bulbs were planted in the autumn to bloom in late winter or early spring. The ones shown here are Iphion, Oxalis, and Narcissus (Daffodils). There are hundreds more you can plant depending on the color, height and habit of growth you want.

Design with bulbs in masses to make a bold statement, spot them between other plants for color and texture, or naturalize the smaller varieties in lawns where they can create an informal look. Although bulbs tend to bloom for a relatively short time, you can find so many different varieties that you can keep them blooming throughout the growing season. As these early bulbs come into flower, you can start planting bulbs to bloom later in the growing season.

In areas where moles and gophers are a problem, plant your bulbs in wire baskets for protection. If squirrels tend to dig up your bulbs, lay some metal hardware cloth or chicken wire over the top as a flat piece until the new growth starts to grow through the holes. You can then lift the protection off. Most squirrels and other diggers (including cats) will be discouraged by the wire.

Bulbs give some of the showiest displays of flower in the plant kingdom. They are easy to plant and grow. If clumps become over-crowded, simply pull some of them up with a fork and plant the divisions elsewhere.