Before settling into winter, there are a number of landscape checklist items. At GJL, we shred leaves, add them to garden beds, apply anti-dessicant to evergreens, and winterize irrigation systems…none of these tasks are nearly as fun as planting spring flowering bulbs! And now is your window of opportunity!
Bulbs are a fantastic addition to any landscape for a number of reasons:
- They emerge beginning in late winter (depending on the species) and produce a joyful explosion of color in a mostly barren February landscape.
- They plant diversity, color varieties and bloom sequencing within spring flowering bulbs is extraordinary and creates endless design possibilities.
- They are perennial, when planted and maintained properly.
- They come in unique shapes and heights and compliment your spring perennials delightfully.
- Some species, daffodils and hyacinths for example, are deer, rabbit and rodent resistant. These bulbs are especially great options for rural or woodland settings where deer pressure is high.
Daffodils and hyacinths are actually poisonous to many animals, for they contain the alkaloid lycorine in the outer layer of the bulb. Keep your pets away from your daffodil beds!
The time to plant spring flowering bulbs is now! They require a long period of cold temperatures (winter) to activate biochemical processes that allow them to grow and bloom. Check out our previous posts on designing with bulbs, and tips on how to plant and what not to do.