“All through the long winter days, enthusiastic gardeners living in the colder climates, sit around a fireplace dreaming of warm spring days and lovely flower gardens. Anxiously they await the burst of flowers that will signal the beginning of spring. These gardeners are much like the dormant seeds and bulbs; both will come to life with the arrival of the first signs of warm weather.”
“Signs of spring will creep into gardens very slowly at first. A crocus plant will stick its head up out of the snow [followed closely by the blossoms of the snowdrops]. Next come the narcissus, daffodils and tulips, followed by grape hyacinth and gladiolus. These perky splashes of color cheerfully awaken the innermost desire of every gardener to venture into the yard and begin another season of communing with nature.” (from Outdoor Gardening Made Easy by Melvin J. Robey; unpublished)
Carefully select bulbs that spread the bloom period from very early spring to the end of spring and the beginning of summer. There are many new hybrids of the above mentioned plants which produce blooms at varying intervals during the spring months.
Your bulbs require a minimum soil temperature of 50 degrees F. or lower for at least 12 to 14 weeks. This hardening-off process sets the stage for the bulbs to sprout and producing showy blossoms to herald in springtime.
If you live where the soil temperatures are to warm it is possible to place them in a refrigerator or cool basement. Remember the above temperature and length of time requirements for the hardening-off process to be completed. |
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Early spring color using bulbs was discussed in Tip # 11. If you elect to grow annual flowers from seed then it is important to understand these plants bloom at different times during the summer. Examples of spring blooming annuals: sweet alyssum, snapdragons bachelor button, larkspur, baby’s breath, and forget-me-nots. Examples of summer blooming annuals: china aster, feather cockscomb, cosmos, petunia, gloriosa daisy, marigold, verbena, and zinnia.
Most of the annuals in each group are sold every spring at local nurseries as bedding plants, in full bloom in two to four inch pots. |
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“The backbone of any garden should be perennial flowers. Once these plants become established in a garden they will live for several years. Even when they are not flowering their foliage makes an attractive backdrop for other flowering plants growing in the garden.”
“When selecting perennials pay special attention to the flower colors the plants will produce. Also give some thought as to how you are going to put the plants in your garden. Think of yourself as an artist creating an oil painting. You want the colors of each flower and the foliage to flow naturally into the next so the finished garden is a magnificent masterpiece.”
“One characteristic of perennials every gardener should be aware of is the fact these plants usually flower only once during each growing season. This should be taken into consideration when selecting and planting perennials in your garden.” (from Outdoor Gardening Made Easy by Melvin J. Robey; unpublished)
Examples of perennial plants, color of flowers and bloom period: yarrow, spring, yellow & white; columbine, many colors, spring; aster, blue, fall; Shasta daisy, white, spring & summer; chrysanthemum, many colors, fall; delphinium, white, blue, purple, spring; peony, red, white, pink, spring; phlox, white pink, lilac; spring & summer; and violets (not pansies), violet, spring.
Woody (shrubs) perennial flowering plants have not been included in this discussion. |
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