There’s nothing like having a riot of color spring from the ground—and that’s what you can expect next spring from bulbs you plant in your yard now. As long as the ground has not frozen, it’s not too late! If you can sink a shovel into the ground, go ahead and plant some bulbs at your Portland home. You’ll be glad you did come spring, and for many years to come.
Here are some options:
• Crocuses: These are the earliest to show up in spring. They can be scattered in the lawn, as they come up well before the grass starts growing. One method is to toss them down in an area and plant them where they land, 4 inches deep. They are not picky about where they live, as long as it’s not a soggy, low-lying area.
• Daffodils: These show up soon after crocuses. They often have a lovely fragrance (depending on variety), in addition to visual beauty. They are very long-lived, come in colors ranging from white to yellow to orange, and are low-maintenance. They are not bothered by insect pests or deer. Plant twice as deep as the bulb is wide.
• Hyacinths: Another early bloomer, these have a wonderful, intense fragrance and an impressively large bloom. They come in a wider range of colors, from deep to pastel to white. The large bulb should be planted 3 times as deep as it is wide. Hyacinths are not as long-lived as daffodils, but can be inter-planted with them, so the daffodils will fill in as the hyacinths fade away. Like all bulbs, they like to be in well-drained soil.
• Tulips: While not fragrant, these come in every color imaginable, except blue. Many people plant tulips around their homes every year, as they diminish each year and are short-lived in any case. They are preyed upon by deer and rodents. Even with all these drawbacks, many people find them irresistible.
You’ll have a feeling of satisfaction after planting bulbs in your yard—and a feeling of wonder when they sprout next spring!
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Links:
Crocus
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=crocus&z=t
Daffodils
Hyacinths
