Comments on: What bulbs are you planting?

By: Karen

Karen — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:32:51 +0000

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.

By: trixy

trixy — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:41:29 +0000

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?

By: sandra todd

sandra todd — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:49:41 +0000

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!

By: Andrea Spencer

Andrea Spencer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:50:58 +0000

Hello Autumn Gardener,
.
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!

By: Cindy Bricker

Cindy Bricker — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:47:53 +0000

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!
~
=^..^=

By: Nicolas Ricketts

Nicolas Ricketts — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:31:22 +0000

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.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:11:40 +0000

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.

By: Jan Erickson

Jan Erickson — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:41:17 +0000

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

By: Lara Piper

Lara Piper — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:04:59 +0000

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!

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:48:47 +0000

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.