Fe at ure
Planting Bulbs Now for the Spring: A Bright Idea!
Text and graphic submission by Emily K. Alberts There is nothing more magical than that first flower poking through the snow, emerging - against all odds - to assure us that spring is on the way. And though you’ve probably been seeding, watering and weeding for months now and are ready to simply kick back and welcome the cool fall season this September – if you can “dig down deep” (think 6-9 inches) and find the energy for one more late season affair in the garden, you will reap surprisingly colorful rewards in early spring. Come to think of it, this endeavor can easily become a family affair! Grab your kids and head to your local nursery. Remember, if you let the kids pick out what they want to plant, they will certainly be more apt to get their hands dirty. Steer them toward smaller perennial favorites such as crocus or scilla if you want more “pop” in a smaller amount of space. Daffodils, tulips, irises and lilies are bigger so they need more space, but if you don’t mind dedicating a larger portion of your flower bed to them, they will add a pleasing 32
NRV MAGAZINE
backdrop of color. When selecting what to plant, two main caveats come to mind: 1.) THINK DEER RESISTANT! I had the most unpleasant experience of watching a family of six work for hours together to plant a hundred tulips in their backyard only for the deer to eat each and every one of them! If you live in a deer-populated area, you may want to rethink tulips unless they are either guarded by a tall fence or VERY close to the house. 2.) THINK NATIVE! It can be important to plant native species because they are better suited to the New River Valley climate, hydrology, soil and much more. Not only are natives better for the soil, but they are better for the complex system of competition among pollinators in the local habitat. However, it is important to note that flowering bulbs reproduce on their own and don't need help with pollination. Their nectar is still valuable to hungry critters though. S ept/Oct 2021
