What bulbs are you planting?
My gardener, Shaun, and his crew are busy with autumn chores. The garden beds are being trimmed back and prepared for the cold days ahead. They've also been hard at work planting all of the flowering bulbs that I ordered. I must admit that when it comes to spring flowers, I have a tendency to get a little carried away. I just love painting the landscape with swaths of bright colors, a real treat after the long and harsh months of winter. My sources for these bulbs are Van Engelen, www.vanengelen.com Brent and Becky's Bulbs, The Lily Garden, and B & D Lilies. Please enjoy these photos of the planting process and be sure to visit my blog next spring when I'll post photos of these magnificent blooms. And by the way, have you gotten all your bulbs in the ground yet?
1 All of the bulbs I ordered arrived in late October for autumn planting.
2 I ordered between five and six thousand spring flowering bulbs.
3 These are assorted packaging for allium bulbs.
4 I decided to have allium planted in the knot garden. Here are the bulbs all laid out waiting to be planted.
5 As you can see from how they look, allium is the onion genus, with about 1,250 species. I just love their flowers.
6 Digging a hole about 6-inches deep
7 Setting the bulb in the hole, root-side down
8 Covering the allium and filling up the hole with soil
9 Allium ‘Ambassador’ is a giant with 20”-tall bright green stems and long-lasting 8”-diameter dark purple flower heads.
10 After all the allium were planted in the knot garden, the soil was raked smooth.
11 Beneath the allée of linden, Shaun planted clusters of hyacinthoides Hispanica Excelsior or Scilla/Spanish Bluebell
12 He laid out groupings of three.
13 Wilmer followed by digging and sprinkling bonemeal for nutrition.
14 Shaun and Wilmer cleaned out the lily borders for more planting.
15 Lilium asiatic Linda is bright and cheerful lily with warm tones of yellow and 'sunset'.
16 Lilium Red Hot is not red at all but the color of glowing embers.
17 Wilmer's gloved hand displaying a lily bulb.
18 Elsewhere on the property, the crew was busy planting hundreds of daffodils on what I call the 'triangle.' The ground was cleared and amended, before the bulbs were laid down.
19 The daffodil bulbs were then covered over thickly with rich, composted soil.
20 These circles of daffodils are so exciting and I cannot wait for spring!
Martha: How do you keep the wildlife from harvesting your newly planted bulbs for their own food storage?
Posted by: trixy | November 11th, 2009 at 1:02 am
Good morning Martha! love this post so interesting and informative, can't wait to see the results next spring. Thank you for your sources.
Love you Martha! you are an inspiration.
Bonne chance!
P.S: Going to London for 2 weeks to visit my 2 kids who are studying Architecture and Graphic Design, miss them so much. I will keep checking your blog and your tweets.
God bless
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | November 11th, 2009 at 1:32 am
Good morning Martha,
5000 bulbs! Wow! We have already planted ours but on a smaller scale. We have daffodils, snowdrops and aliums planted. We have done ours in little clumps and I too am excited about seeing them come up in spring - but more excited about seeing a taping of your show on November 30th! My dream is coming true!
Have a wonderful day.
Pru x
Posted by: Pru | November 11th, 2009 at 5:43 am
When you talk about the planting of the daffodils, you said the ground was "amended", since I am fairly new to gardening, what do you mean when you say that? Can't wait to see all of the pics in the spring. They will be marvelous.
Posted by: Cathy | November 11th, 2009 at 7:32 am
I love the pictures of work on the farm. I have planted tulips this year in two different colours in my pots on the steps and then put in a few pansy plants on top for a little colour now. Hopefully they will live happily together and then in spring we will have a great display. The bulbs last year did not do very well as it was very wet here then very cold with snow so I think a lot of the bulbs rotted away. Susie
Posted by: Susie Parr | November 11th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Martha you must have a small army to plant all those bulbs. Plus don't the squirrels eat everything? When I plant bulbs it's like a buffet line for those darn things. I've given up on bulbs, my squirrels are fat enough from all the bird seed they eat.
Posted by: Ann | November 11th, 2009 at 7:46 am
I've been looking for snowdrops. I can't seem to find these bulbs anywhere. Any suggestions?
Posted by: abby | November 11th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Hi Martha,
This year I will NOT plant a single bulb...... Last year I planted 150 daffodils , it was hard work because we have many rocks and roots from the trees in our garden but my husband made all the wholes for me. (his weekend workout) I sprinkled bonemeal in the wholes, followed by some soil & the bulb - nicely covered with the grass sod.
The next morning . I couldn`t believe my eyes, nearly every bulb stood exactly beside it`s whole like ready to be planted !
Some "critter" digged the bulb out and ate the bonemeal. We put the bulbs back in their wholes with no more fertilizer and in spring we enjoyed beautiful flowers but this year I have other things to do in my garden. (unfortunately I don`t have a crew..).
Have a nice & busy like me & other people
Posted by: Dani & cats | November 11th, 2009 at 9:21 am
I do not have all my bulbs in the ground.
Never have "all" of anything completed.
Does not mean that not aspiring to be better.
Baking cake for anniversary of American Legion.
Thank a veteran today for service to America.
Posted by: ann | November 11th, 2009 at 10:04 am
I get eyebrows raised when I plant 1000 bulbs...wow, you do 5-6000!? Wooweeeee!!!! I've just finished putting down 600 daffodils and about 50 tulips. I usually don't do tulips b/c the squirrels get to the bulbs first. = ( I can't wait to see all those little yellow faces pop up next spring!
Posted by: Morgan | November 11th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Hi Martha,
You said – “when it comes to spring flowers, I have a tendency to get a little carried away.” And I say where else would we see such an assortment if you didn’t get ‘carried away’ such as those yellow daffodils that ran the length of your property one year. They were so gorgeous but all of your flowers are gorgeous and these will be too!
~
I think it is just too hot where I live to plant bulbs. I tried it twice and nothing happened but maybe I should try using a planter instead. For sure, I need to do more reading on the subject of bulbs. Have a great day! Trish
Posted by: Trish | November 11th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Well, your favorite sources were sold out of everything I wanted....lucky them to have your recommendation! Not to be denied, I went to the Holland Bulb site and got my selections and at a great price. Thanks for reminding me to get some bulbs in! Hope I don't have the same experience as other gardener/posters with the squirrels. Any advice on how to discourage the foragers?
Posted by: lil | November 11th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Well I don't plant as many bulbs as you do obviously,but I like my own little garden in my back yard and am looking forward to seeing my new lilies next spring.
Posted by: Mel | November 11th, 2009 at 11:05 am
We plant bulbs every year. My wife goes online and finds something different each year. I keep telling her we are running out of space but she always finds a spot. We gave up on Crocus as the squirrels eat them like popcorn.
Posted by: jeff-nhn | November 11th, 2009 at 11:21 am
I can't wait to see them when the flowers come... It will be gorgeous.
Posted by: CBH-Digital Scrapbook Freebies | November 11th, 2009 at 11:28 am
For Cathy - To amend soil means to make better or improve, in this case with bone meal and bulb fertilizer. Also, there are several comments regarding squirrels and other garden pests that love eating spring flowering bulbs. This is a big problem and not much can really be done about their appetites. That is why we plant so many bulbs to make up for those that are eaten. Thanks for your comments and happy planting!
Posted by: Martha Stewart | November 11th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Planting bulbs is always a nice way to wrap up the growing season. I have not planted bulbs for several years because of what other posters--Trixi and Dani(and cats) reported. It is so discouraging to spend hours pouring over catalogs and greenhouses selecting bulbs, deciding just where they will look best, hauling each set out to the spot, working the soil, freeze the fingers but do the deed. The next week all bulbs dug up and chewed so much they can not be resuscitated.
Posted by: Margie | November 11th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Martha, Your honeybees will also be very happy with the alium next spring. Our honeybees are all over mine. Crocuses are the second thing the honeybees work after skunk cabbage. Van Engelen said that the tomassinus variety of crocus don't seem to be bothered by squirrels. I planted 600 in a patch of grass 3 years ago and they weren't touched by critters--just multiplying and providing nectar and pollen early in the season.
Posted by: Cheryl Mandler | November 11th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Hello Martha,
Thanks for having the Cookies for Kids for cancer research on your show. My granddaughter had a very rare agressive form of brain cancer. She was diagnosed 6-24-08 and earned her wings 1-10-09. They gave us no hope after her initial surgery in Los Angeles, but Kayla was accepted at St Jude Research Hospital they have a agressive treatment for AT/RT cancer. There is no cure but they are trying, without cancer research for children this horrible cancer will continue to take our children. I support cancer research how ever I can in memory of my precious granddaughter Kayla Blair.
Posted by: Tamera Griffith | November 11th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Oh my your crew would be done at my Casa in a New York minute Martha LOL
I live in an area where we have SO many leaves...the lawn is just done and bam it's covered again...I would love to invent a zapper that would destroy them before they hit my lawn...little OCD here can you tell ?? !!!
I too order my bulbs from Holland have for years...this year I am planting Trumpet Daffodils and Bleu Tulips... I can't wait for Spring to see their pretty faces...such a treat !!!
I will plant at my Dad & Grandmother's graves too...
Also I would like to take a moment and thank all of our servicemen & women for their service....God Bless you all !!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy :) | November 11th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Martha...it's a good thing that you get carried away with bulb planting! We benefit by seeing the photos of all your blooms come Spring. As i am between homes i am missing the bulb-planting ritual this Fall...i don't move into my new home until late November so it could be too late for planting, i think.
Posted by: sherey | November 11th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
My husband and I own an armored car factory in Chicago and the building is very nondescript in an ordinary industrial park. The logo colors are orange and gray and we decided to spruce up the front of the building with orange tulips. I purchased 400 of them from Van Engelen, in 4 varieties. It was quite a task to plant them, but we can't wait to see the results next spring. Fortunately there are no deer or squirrels to pilfer the bulbs!!
Posted by: Lori Herlihy | November 11th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I have personally planted 1,060 bulbs of crocus, daffodils, and tulips. Unfortunately that doesn't mean that I have 1,060 blooming plants come spring. Most are raided by squirrels (despite my dog's best intentions). Do I learn from this lesson? No, this fall I'll be planting 18 more tulips. When the bulbs do bloom the bulbs are just so amazingly beautiful. And I won't even go into my troubles with the Himalayan Blue Poppy! Right now I'm researching methods of putting things on top of the bulbs to prevent them from being eaten. I'm an artist, so I'd like them to be subjects. Funny, I'm spending more time in the garden than painting anymore.
Posted by: Sharon Strong Carmichael | November 11th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Martha,
Thank you for sharing these photos of your planting. I look forward to seeing the blooms in the spring! I recently joined a group of my neighbors in Manhattan's Tudor City to plant over 2,000 bulbs in the Tudor City Greens.
We planted a beautiful assortment of apricot and violet colored tulips in the interior of the parks and bright white varietals at the entrance of the north and south parks as a sign of welcome. I hope you will stop by the Historic Tudor City Greens in the Spring to see these beautiful flowers in bloom.
Posted by: Chris | November 11th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I am only planting metaphorical bulbs this fall, Martha. But your pictures are fascinating, as usual. And your ability to learn from the past and to plan for the future, while living in the present is always an inspiration!
PS my metaphorical bulbs have been future planning for my long term career goals. In particular, FINALLY getting my GED at 40!!! Woo Hoo! I am happy to say that I was able to use you as the subject of my essay for the writing portion taken today. GUESS WHAT? I got an 800!! That is the highest score possible! Thanks for being my MUSE!
Posted by: Lara Piper | November 11th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Hi Martha, If only our weather were a little drier and we had clear skies and actual sunshine like we had unexpectedly today, I would gladly plant some wonderful bulbs. It doesn't look too dry for the next couple of weeks and even snow is expected near the 1000 foot level in our area. I spend most of my time gathering and cutting up wood for my wood stove to keep warm these days. Can't wait to see the beautiful flowers that result from Shaun and Wilmer's plantings. Thanks for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | November 11th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
I've personally planted 1,060 bulbs in my yard. I wish I could say that my garden is beautiful, but despite my best efforts (and my dog's) the squirrels eat most of them. I'm still going to plant 16 more tulips, because the bulbs that bloom make it worth it.
Posted by: Sharon | November 12th, 2009 at 3:11 am
We planted about 350 bulbs this year in our small upstate city lot. Squirrels are a real problem for us too. They stay away from daffodils but do love to torment our tulips. Many of these were recycled from last year's crop but we always add fresh new ones. Our allium come back every year, they're so showy in the early spring. Loving your blog Martha, thanks for so many wonderful posts.
Posted by: Nicolas Ricketts | November 12th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Many hands make quick work! I only know that these bulbs'll be absolutely a welcome sight in the spring (if Mr. Squirrel doesn't find himself a tasty treat before then! [those little furry balls of badness! {giggle}] ).
~
Daffodils of ALL types are my absolute favorite springtime flowers - I want them ALL - every color, split/double coronas, and on-n-on... I do like alliums but have never had any (for what reason, I don't know!) In manymany years past, I'd be checking the ground in February if the days would happen to be warmish (in the NE) to look for little leaves emerging thru the soil. Spring is a special time...I just cannot fathom that it's this time of the year already - there's so much to do yet, before the cold finally sets in!
~
Thanks for sharing, Martha...we, like you, will look forward to the hope that spring flowers bring!
~
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | November 12th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
.
Hello Autumn Gardener,
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Why not run a river of daffodils meandering through those trees. Circles are very nice to tic tac toe the display area. The snaking among trees further along would certainly lead the eye into the enchanted forest!
Posted by: Andrea Spencer | November 13th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Since Brent and Becky's was on your show, I always order my bulbs from them. Their catalogue is well organized and their bulbs are top quality. I always have beautiful spring blooms. Thanks for introducing me to them. I live in Virginia and after the show, we went to visit them. Great place!
Posted by: sandra todd | November 14th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Martha: my organic gardening book recommends sprinkling chili powder over newly planted bulbs and flowers to detract squirrels and other critters from excavating them. Have you tried this method?
Posted by: trixy | November 15th, 2009 at 2:41 am
Martha, have you ever used bulb cages? I've seen many stores and websites selling steel cages with 1" grids to protect from digging squirrels.
Posted by: Karen | November 15th, 2009 at 2:32 pm