This is definitely an interesting topic. It fits in well with the
PBS original mission of 'using bulbs in the garden.' Sometimes our
topics are about collections or their scientific basis, and occasionally
about our gardens. I enjoy both kinds of topics.
I do agree with Robert that our collections and our gardens are
different beasts. I am on a mission this year to get my garden back
into shape after several years of neglect. It is a challenging task,
but an enjoyable one. I have ordered some old roses (which I mix into
my cottage garden area or my shrub border) and many new bulbs. In fall
I always add new daffodils to the hillside where I live. On a previous
property, I once crawled under the chaparral and planted some near a
seasonal spring. That did make sense at the time, as both I and my
daughters had a secret sitting place where they could be viewed when in
bloom. (I no longer crawl under chaparral, but sometimes miss the days
I could!) I've always wondered what future owners thought when they
found them.
I would like to hear more about which bulbs can be moved outside in
my 'colder than normal California' zone. As I repot my rainlilies this
year, I am putting a few out into my raised bed, starting with
Habranthus. Those that have gone out in previous years have done well
and always show surprise blooms when in Aug-Sept. when everything else
is becoming dry and sere.
Most bulbs (and many other plants) get planted into gopher baskets,
as that is a big problem on uncleared land, which surrounds my living
area. Other bulbs have been chancy. Lycoris radiata has divided into
smaller plants, did not bloom last year or the squirrels ate the blooms
before I saw them. They are now in cages to protect from both gophers
and squirrels. The need to put wire around plants makes them less
attractive, although if I have to put wire above the soil, I use the
green coated stuff. That helps, at least from a distance.
Ipheon is a lovely little bulb that gets spread around the garden
areas. Either I do it when I plant annuals nearby, or the gophers carry
them away and spit them out somewhere else. They are a sweet little
surprise when they bloom in an unexpected place.
Irises are also favorites. I have planted many bearded Irises over
the years and love their scent and colors. The squirrels have really
abused them the past three seasons, but I see (or rather hear) signs
that coyotes are back and doing their job with those nasty
garden-eaters! I was really surprised to find one eating an Iris bud
after the fire three years ago; there was no food for them in their
normal dining areas. They had never messed with the Irises before that.
One question I have always had is whether to plant them with the
rhizome showing above the soil line or not. I have read both pieces of
advice in reputable sources. I have tried both ways and can't really
determine a difference. I love the miniature Iris reticulata and all
of its cultivars. I see one is available at Brent and Becky's Bulbs
called 'Marguerite.' It is definitely on my next order list.
And Calochortus is another favorite. I don't try to plant it in the
garden much, although I am starting a dry-sandy bed for Penstemons and
may get a few in there. C. concolor and C. splendens grow as natives
all along my access road. Spring can be lovely here when the
wildflowers bloom. We actually have had 7 inches of rain so far this
season. After a many-year drought, this may be a sign of a good
wildflower year. I am definitely hoping so! Marguerite
Marguerite English: Gardening with Penstemons, Salvias, Xeric plants,
Dianthus, Narcissus, Roses, and Irises at 3500 feet in zone 7B,
mountains of Southern California. I collect and grow tender plants and
bulbs, especially Epiphyllum, Babiana, Lachenalia, Morea and
Zephyranthes in a covered patio room.