A Bulb Planting Project at the Farm
In early October, we shot a television segment with Sally Ferguson, the director of the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center. The title of the segment was “Sweeps of Blue,” an introduction to pest resistant blue flowering bulbs - rodents don't like them and neither do deer. I have a particular fondness for blue flowers because they strike me as being evocative of a peaceful calm. I also love great sweeps of color in the landscape and I thought of the perfect place for a color palette of blue. About six years ago, I planted twelve beautiful linden trees as a long allee. Over the years, the trees have grown quite nicely, but nothing of great interest was ever planted beneath them. Since autumn is bulb planting season, and a fabulous new garden could bloom in the spring, I asked Andrea Mason, the garden expert at TV, to do some research. Andrea found a great source in the Netherlands and two experts to come and help with the design.
One day recently, the bulbs arrived – all 116,000 of them, a mix of nine different kinds of blue flowers. We decided to shoot a television segment, as well as a story for the magazine. Shoot day arrived last week and I welcomed Jacqueline van der Kloet, an internationally renowned landscape and garden designer and Frans Roozen, technical director of the International Flower Bulb Center in the Netherlands. Jacqueline explained that these particular bulbs were chosen for their balance of color. Planning a garden is like being a painter and you want the results to be painterly. Blooming time was also a major factor because this new garden will bloom in succession from late winter until the beginning of May! All of those bulbs are now in the ground and we await a paradise of blue, a true spectacle arriving in the spring. I can hardly wait!
A LIST OF WHAT WAS PLANTED
20,000 Crocus tommasinianus ‘Whitewell Purple’
12,000 Chionodoxa forbesii
10,000 Chionodoxa forbesii ‘Blue Giant’
16,000 Scilla siberica
12,000 Muscari azureum
12,000 M. botrvoides ‘Superstar’
12,000 M. ‘Valerie Finnis’
12,000 M. latifolium
10,000 Hyacinthoides hispanica ‘Excelsior’
TOTAL 116,000
1 It was a beautiful morning at the farm - clear and not too cold - a perfect bulb planting day!
2 The sunrise was lovely.
3 It cast a warm glow upon the bare treetops.
4 This is the allee of linden, now without leaves. Beneath the trees is where the bulbs are to be planted.
5 Here I am with Jacqueline van der Kloet and Frans Roozen, discussing the plans for this 'little' project.
6 Meanwhile, Frédéric Lagrange and his crew set up their equipment for the magazine story, while Gary Nardilla and his crew prepare for the TV aspect of the shoot.
7 Some very basic gardening tools and some very sophisticated photography equipment
8 Jacqueline and Frans begin emptying the net bags that the bulbs were packed in.
9 This one bin contains 1,500 silla Siberica - an excellent bulb for naturalizing because it multiplies well year after year. The plants bear tiny, nodding, blue, star-like flowers.
10 These bulbs are Chionodoxa forbessii - also called Glory-of-the-Snow because this early bloomer pokes its little bright blue six-petalled flowers right out of the snow.
11 Muscari Valerie Finnis is a grape hyacinth that is extremely pale lavender blue and has tightly formed 'grapes' and a fragrance reminiscent of grapes.
12 These bulbs are hyacinthoides Excelsior - also called Spanish Bluebell - These lovely bell-shaped flowers are a rich, deep blue.
13 This bin contains 5,000 crocus etruscus Zwanenburg. These pale lilac-blue flowers appear in mid-February.
14 These wrinkly bulbs are anemone Blanda Blue Shades - Grecian windflowers - These small, daisy-like flowers bloom in early spring.
15 The bins actually contain nine different types of bulbs.
16 Frédéric checks the scene from up high.
17 Andrea Mason, our TV gardening expert inspecting all the garden paraphernalia
18 These super-soft kneeling pads are great in the garden to protect your knees and keep them clean.
19 Curious Francesca always wants to be involved with projects at the farm.
20 Frans explains why bulbs, such as these, are planted in the autumn.
21 A bulb is full of starch, which turns to sugar in the winter, nourishing the flower within and giving it energy to pop out in the spring.
22 My hair stylist for the shoot - Luda Zhuran, my wardrobe stylist - Annie Fisher, and my makeup artist - Daisy Schwartzberg
23 Jacqueline begins mixing the nine different bulbs together in a wheelbarrow.
24 She adds similar amounts of each variety.
25 Then, all nine varieties are gently mixed together.
26 Load one!
27 To position the bulbs for planting, Jacqueline tosses handfuls onto the garden, where they land in a natural and random fashion.
28 You simply plant them where they land.
29 Frans's technique for planting these bulbs is to dig a hole two-times the bulb's height, or about 5-inches for small bulbs, like these.
30 Lots and lots of digging - Fortunately, the soil beneath the linden trees is soft and rich with compost, making digging quite easy.
31 More tossing
32 Frans was wearing his traditional Dutch wooden shoes.
33 Frédéric shooting away
34 Frédéric shooting from down low while Frans tosses more bulbs
35 It's simply an astounding number of bulbs and I can hardly wait until spring!
36 Well, that was fun! But there are still a few more bulbs to be planted.
37 And, fortunately, a very happy and willing and strong grounds crew to take over!
AMAZING!!!! I can't wait to see all the bulbs in bloom. But, I'm glad I don't have to plant that many...I'm finding it hard to get the few I bought in the ground.
Gloria G!!!
Posted by: Gloria | November 24th, 2010 at 12:21 am
Now this was a NICE project! If I were you I would be looking down that allee..every second once the weather warms. http://www.themalemartha.com
I was surprised about just mixing and throwing,planting where they land. I guess the dutch keep it simple! I can't waite to see the pictures of them in full bloom!
Dan Viger
Hollis Center, Maine.
Posted by: Daniel Viger | November 24th, 2010 at 6:22 am
That looks like a buffet for a hungry bunch of squirrels!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Posted by: Ann | November 24th, 2010 at 6:57 am
Oh Martha that is exciting! Thousands of beautiful blue flowers to look forward to as soon as winter is over. I always loved your allee of linden and now with thousands of flowers blooming underneath how gorgeous can that get.
I love the look on your garden crew's faces, especially Shaun who looked happy to do the big job ahead. How lucky both you and your staff are for what seems to be a great working relationship. Thus a fantastic garden/farm.
Happy Thanksgiving Martha. ( I miss your show tremendously specially during the holiday season ).
Nikki
Posted by: Nikki | November 24th, 2010 at 7:37 am
Hi Martha,
You forgot to take an after picture of your crew as in were they still smiling when they finished planting! Wow, the whole operation is mind-boggling but I liked that the bulbs were tossed and then you dug the holes. Well, I have a feeling we’re in for some spectacular pictures later on because I’m almost certain those bulbs are going to love your black gold earth. I look forward to the television segment and thanks for the little taste you provided today. Trish
Posted by: Trish | November 24th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Yeah for ground crews..... the shear volumn of this projects is mind boggling.
Posted by: Susan | November 24th, 2010 at 9:28 am
Martha, thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | November 24th, 2010 at 9:56 am
I wish there was a pic of each of the bulbs in full bloom. It would help my imagination. Blooms from spring to fall is a great idea. I love the idea of double planting so there is colour and scent in the beds all year around. Will there be more detailed iformation in the magazine? Did you sprinkle some blood meal on them?
Posted by: RT Scott | November 24th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Love the Barney's cariciature. Can not wait to see the blues in your future blog..what a day of planting, filming and photographing. Jeezz the horses are so beautiful in the blog two or three days ago. ENJOY Thanksgiving Martha...thanks for all the good information for preparation....
Posted by: Teresa Touey | November 24th, 2010 at 10:25 am
I was hoping you were going to show us an easy way to plant 116,000 bulbs that did not involve doing it by hand. Just thinking about the magnitude of this job makes my head explode.
Posted by: the 7msn ranch | November 24th, 2010 at 10:26 am
GORGEOUS! I am jealous! Our yard wasn't taken care of at all for the past decade and it's overwhelming the work that needs to be done before we can plant anything, even grass!
Posted by: Sarah | November 24th, 2010 at 11:02 am
Hi Martha, What a fabulous blog about an inspiring project that we get to see three different ways, possible four since Francesca will probably post a blog about this, also!!!! These photos are fantastic-I love everyone one of them! Thanks again for helping us learn something valuable every day! Now I know why you must plant bulbs in the fall. How cool to have Jacqueline van der Kloet and Frans Roozen from the Netherlands there to help with your planting. Their method is superb. I love seeing all the different tools-I still have your K-Mart ones and will get the Home Depot ones asap. All shades of blue are my favorite colors and I can hardly wait until spring to see the results of this super project. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | November 24th, 2010 at 11:21 am
Hi Martha from San Sebastián in the basque country. I´m your fan since I first saw you on tv while we were with my dad in a Houston Hospital, sad moments for us but you cheered me up and was dying to watch your programme the following day as hours were too long. Now everytime I have the chance I buy your magazine and follow your webpage. A month ago I started my own blog, http://www.decocinasytacones.blogspot.com, fancy a good read?. I hope you take a look!. Kisses from Spain and I love your blog.
Marialuisa
Posted by: Marialuisa | November 24th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Blue ain't the word for missing our little Ethan at Thanksgivng (roads are too risky from ranch) but just as these bulbs promise, we know we will be together soon for Christmas.Katie and crew made long drivein the snow, thru the night, home from college for breakfast of those fresh doughnuts, Roberta made.
Posted by: ann | November 24th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
I can't wait for spring either! Just to see that many blue flowers will be amazing. My favorite color too!!!!!
Posted by: Frances | November 24th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Delayed PS...Martha, I have a question as to how in the world were the crew able to plant all those scattered bulbs without stepping all over them?
I realize that they probably start at the outer edge and work in, but that means they'd step on the ones just planted. Did they, by any chance, use those stepping boards like you used to use in your gardens at Turkey Hill?
And, do they ever miss any when planting? I find that no matter how careful I am, I usually miss one, and don't see it till I stand up.
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | November 24th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
So happy you gave us a glimpse of your bulb planting! You have totally outdone yourself! I was so proud of myself when I got around 300 dutch bulbs in the ground this fall... now I just look at the snow covered gardens and wait impatiently!
When I received my bulbs the supplier also gave me first dibs on next years perennial/annual offerings. Do you ponder new varieties all winter long too Martha?
Posted by: R. | November 24th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Martha, I don't consider myself lazy, But I'm glad that I wasn't asked to help plant all of those bulbs...lol
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, ME | November 24th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Greetings from London on this special day Happy Thanksgiving for you and your family. Wish you a wonderful and blessed day!
xoxo
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | November 25th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
What an amazing project. Being from the south I find winter hardy bulbs fascinating; thank you for blogging and journaling the process (I've never really seen such before). I am looking forward to seeing your photos and videography as time transpires and these bulbs develop. Happy thanksgiving!
Posted by: Kenneth | November 26th, 2010 at 12:08 am
After seeing the pictures and reading about this project, I just had to look on the 'Net to see what the bulbs will look like in Spring. Wow! I can't wait to see the result either. I always learn something new from you, Martha.
Posted by: Dee Pollmann | November 26th, 2010 at 1:09 am
I can barely wait for the first picure of the "Glory of the Snow". Your weather is about 2 weeks earlier than mine and what a touch of Spring that will be!
BTW, are you going to groom some x-country trails on your farm this year? I am thinking of utilizing a town forest for some back-country action.
Posted by: Amy | November 27th, 2010 at 7:24 am
The casting is the fun part. How long did it take to plant the bulbs? How many ppl?
Posted by: Ellen | November 27th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I am looking for your Hudson Collection Dinnerware in green and I'm unable to find it.I need 16 dinner plates 16 salad plates and 16 soup/cereal bowls. Thank you.Denise Glasser
Posted by: Denise Glasser | November 27th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
One of the biggest problems a gardener has is squirrels stealing bulbs. When I lived in the country many moons ago and worked a one acre garden the red, black and brown squirrels never stole any bulbs except for just one year (& it wasn't particularly a cold year either) when I purchased bulbs and planted in the fall. No idea why the squirrels ate my bulbs. Never happened again. I used to watch the furry guys run all over the place but the squirrels never stole another bulb. I believe gardens and gardening keeps one young at heart and in body. I do miss my garden. Thanks Martha!
Posted by: http://twitter.com/geotravel | November 27th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
What an ingenious manner for positioning the bulbs...the "tossing technique."
Some "LITTLE" project
Your Thanksgiving shows were wonderful to watch and learn from...thank you so much Martha for all which you do for your fans...I think I speak for us all when I say we are looking very forward to all of the upcoming Christmas segments you have in store for us this year.
Thank you Martha Stewart
Posted by: Becky Kuchefski | November 30th, 2010 at 12:41 am
I can't wait until late winter and early spring to see if you post pictures of all of these amazing bulbs you all planted.
Posted by: Michelle | December 1st, 2010 at 5:32 pm
I think it is WONDERFUL to have the luxury of space to plant, the luxury of money to buy things you love, and the luxury of having people, to help you see your vision become a reality. The sight of all that BLUE will be Magical! Here in Loudonville, NY, is a house built in the 1920's, with hundreds of thousands of naturalized scilla, that bloom for about a week and disappear. They were probably planted in the 1920's also. It is a sight to behold!
Posted by: Fred Gonsowski | December 18th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
I think if I were to undertake a project of this size, or even a quarter of the size, I would do one of two things to make the planting infinitely easier.
1) Prep the site and add compost if not previously done. Mix well into the soil
2) Using a rock rake or something similar, rake back a few inches of soil
3) Loosen the newly exposed soil and amend with bulb fertilizer and mix into the soil
4) Toss your bulbs onto the prepared bed and then gently set each one up straight and push into the loose, prepared soil
5) Gently rake back the 2-3" of soil you removed in step 1, covering all the bulbs. Tamp soil but try not to compress it by stepping on it.
Alternate method
Prepare the soil by loosening it, add fertilizer/compost, mix well. Toss bulbs and then position and firm into soil. Add 2-4" of fresh topsoil (with compost of course) on top of the bulbs and tamp.
Be careful not to mound soil up against trunks of any existing trees. Also be careful not to damage roots of any existing plants that may be in your new bulb garden.
Enjoy a beautiful spring bulb display !!!
Posted by: Joanne in Virginia | January 13th, 2011 at 1:17 pm