Gardening In The Grove
by Bill Valuch

The Lazy Man’s Garden
Have you noticed all of the daffodils popping up around town? What a great show of color and a sure sign that spring is right around the corner. I am sure many of the flowers we see today are from bulbs planted last season or possibly several years ago. Now that’s my kind of garden, plant and enjoy for years and years without any fuss.

In my own garden I have bulbs pushing up for the coming spring and summer season and quite honestly don’t remember what bulbs I planted or when. I know now that I would never survive as a squirrel. It’s a surprise every year to see the fruits of my labor from seasons past. I just wish I could remember, but I guess that comes with aging. Anyway, I am as hooked on the idea of a repeating garden as I am sure many of you are. I simplify the category by calling them bulbs, but in reality there are several types of "bulbs" to choose from.

Bulbs, Tubers, Rhizomes, Corms
All of these are unique in physical characteristics but very similar in how they are used in the garden. All tend to have a dormant period when there is no leaf or flower. This is how we generally find them when available for purchase. They are firm and dry, having been harvested from the previous season, ready to begin a new life in your garden. Each type has specific planting needs such as soil, depth of planting, and exposure. When you purchase your bulbs the necessary information should be available on the packaging or from your nurseryman.

It’s always a good idea to stagger plant as this will produce a longer flowering first season though they will all tend to naturalize themselves and probably come up at the same time next year. Another great approach is to select taller to shorter varieties and place them from the front to the rear of the garden accordingly. Gladiolus and lilies tend to be taller and look great up against the house or fence, while dahlias, fressias, daffodils, and tulips fit in nicely more forward in the garden. I like to plant each type in bunches or clumps because the display seems to be much more dramatic.

What To Plant Now (Jan-Mar)
Now is the time to plant for late spring and summer blooms. Gladiolus, freesia, and dahlias are ready to be put in the ground. Also think about lilies and cannas for tall excellent color. March is a good time to get tuberous begonias started for a great display later in the summer. Here on the central coast we can leave most of these bulbs in the ground year round as long as they are in good draining soil. Begonias are best if stored dry for the rainy season by simply tipping their pots over or storing them under cover. They will put out a starter leaf, telling you they are ready for water and feeding. If you have never tried growing begonias you will be amazed at how easy they are to grow and what beauty they can add to a patio or garden.

End Of Summer Choices
You will find a great selection of narcissus, daffodils, amaryllis, and tulips during the late summer, early fall season which can bring lots of joy to the garden through the winter and early spring months. Many of you know of "Bill the Bulb Baron" (another Bill) and the fantastic narcissus bulbs he brings to market in late August. His bulbs are all naturalized for the California Coast and are great for planting and forgetting, giving you years and years of delight.

A Helpful Hint
Next year's flowers come from the energy produced from this year's leaves. So don’t cut back the foliage when the flowering is done. Instead fold over and tie the leaves in a bunch allowing the leaves to feed the bulb for next years growth.

We have many of the bulbs mentioned at our shop and would love to help you get started with your "plant it and forget it" garden. The rains have made the soil easy to work, and longer sunny days are just around the corner. Now is a great time to get started!

As always I look forward to your suggestions for future articles, tips and questions. Please contact me at misstrawicks@sbcglobal.net or stop by the shop at 664 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove or on the web at www.misstrawicks.com.