More on Bulbs

crocus

Many bulbs "naturalize," meaning that once they are planted they will reproduce and spread on their own. Once you have planted a few thousand of them, you will fully appreciate this feature. Those gorgeous tulips you have always admired, however, do not have this virtue. Even when fertilized annually tulips gradually lose their strength and eventually die out altogether.. For this reason, many public gardens treat tulips as annuals and replant them every year.
Most bulbs, however, will return every spring and give you years of pleasure.




     One difficulty with planting in the autumn is that you find yourself putting plant morsels into the ground just a squirrels are beginning to dig similar morsels out. Squirrels are not terribly fond of daffodils or grape hyacinth, but they do enjoy a tasty tulip or crocus bulb. Lazy gardeners like me find ourselves liking what squirrels don't. Those willing to do battle can plant their bulbs more deeply than recommended in the instructions. Your can also use one-inch chicken wire or a tough plastic netting to discourage digging. This can be laid after the bulbs are planted and then covered with a layer of mulch. When the first spring shoots appear, it is easy to lift the netting up through the remaining mulch and let your bloomers grow unimpeded.