FredTalks
by Environmental Enhancements
THE PROBLEM: Hey, Fred, My mother has been gone now for many years, but I still miss her terribly. Nothing reminds me more of her than kneeling in a patch of dirt—in chilly air—and burying bulbs, something we did together. (She would always say ‘bury’ to emphasize they need to go deep.) My kids and I have moved to a new home, and I’m having trouble picking the perfect spot for my bulb garden. We have a lot of woods here—I think a tulip garden on the edge of the woods would be particularly nice. Any advice?
FRED SAYS: It always amazes me how plants can evoke such strong emotions. No wonder we’re so willing to do the work it takes to get them to grow! In many ways, a particular bloom or scent can make each of us ‘go deep,’ just as your mother wisely advised you to do with your bulbs.
Almost any location in your yard will do, as long as it gets direct sunlight. You can create a bed near the house, but you also might choose an ornamental tree to plant a bulb garden under. ‘Bury’ the bulbs as deep as the height of the plant will be—and no deeper—to make sure they stay warm in winter but still emerge in spring.
For added protection, I recommend a 2″ layer of mulch after planting, which a lot of people don’t think to do.
While living near woods has a certain charm to it, I’m sorry to say that tulip bulbs last about a nanosecond when deer are close by. Are there deer in your woods? If so, they don’t seem to care too much for daffodils and hyacinth, but tulip bulbs are like a box of chocolates to them.
But that’s okay. Daffodils make a beautiful display, and hyacinth has the most incredible fragrance. One sniff and you won’t miss the tulips (too much). Wherever you plant your bulbs, be sure to install a bench nearby. After all your hard work, next spring you’ll want to sit down, enjoy your garden, and think of your mom.
Please reach out if you’d like to hear about our landscape design services. 703.421.7400 or [email protected]
Fred Peratt is president of Environmental Enhancements Inc., an award-winning landscaping company serving the DC metro area since 2001. Fred is well-known in the landscaping industry for his dedication to innovation, teamwork, and the highest standards of workmanship.
www.eelandscaping.com
540.764.4433
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