Plant Spring bulbs before the ground freezes. There is still plenty of time to plant although the soil is cooling along with the weather. Colorful, early and cheerful bulbs like crocus, Glory of the Snow and Snowdrops bloom before the snow is melted. Later, favorites such as hyacinths, grape hyacinth, narcissus (daffodils), and tulips will bloom until spring perennials start to blossom, letting us know that warm weather is here to stay for another season.
Plant daffodils and narcissus bulbs in groups in the garden or plant en masse in areas where you would like them to naturalize. They will bloom for many years to come.
Tulips planted in large groups create a colorful display. Mix up the varieties for an informal look. Tulips are wonderful cut flowers. Plant plenty, so you can enjoy them both in the garden and in your home.
Bulbs can be planted in raised beds. In the photo, bulbs are being planted in a natural style in a raised perennial bed, where they will add early spring color. If you grow vegetables in raised beds, consider planting a cutting garden composed of of spring bulbs.
Early blooming crocus are a welcome sight come Spring. Plant them in groups along the edge of the garden. These cheerful flowers blossom on short stems.
Choose bulbs at your favorite local garden store now. Plant following the directions on the bag as to planting depth for each type of bulb. Planting bulbs in groups will create a beautiful spring display or you can plant them in a woodland garden or lawn, letting them naturalize. Spring bulbs need lots of sun to thrive. As they go by, deadhead the flower stem, leaving the foliage to feed the bulb for next spring’s bloom. Cut the foliage back when it has yellowed.
Stately Alliums with their large round globes are impressive in the back of the garden in a sunny spot.
As mornings and evenings grow darker and chill and we work to ready our gardens for the coming winter, our thoughts of the beauty and promise of next year's spring garden, abloom with colorful bulbs to brighten the landscape after the long winter.