Fall 1999
Home
Site Map
Guided Tour
Website News
What's New?
Corporate
Products
Workshops
Newsletter 
Ongoing Projects
Trough Gardens
Water Gardens
Alpine Perennials
Hardy Cactus
Warranty
Affiliations
Awards
Reviews
DIY Greenhouse
IPM
Composting
Reviews
Horticulture Links
USDA Zones
Weather Reports
FAQs
Register
Me
Consulting Service
Advertising
Employment
Visitors
John's Journal
Contact UsA bulb is a promise. These "packaged plants" each have a complete miniature plant inside along with its food. The word bulb describes plants that grow from an underground mass of food storage tissue. True bulbs like tulips and daffodils contain a complete miniature plant surrounded by fleshy scales, mostly carbohydrates to nourish the plant, attached to a basal plate from which roots grow. True bulbs can be either tunicate, with a papery covering such as onion or tulip, or scaly, with no paper covering such as lily.
If a bulb is sliced in half horizontally, you will see rings formed by the scale leaves. These scale leaves store food for use by the bulb as it grows. An onion is a good example. If you slice a bulb vertically, you should be able to find leaves, stems, and even flower buds.
It's now time to plant tulips, crocus, daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs because you'll want to be sure there's enough time for some root development before the ground freezes.
There are many spring flowering bulbs to choose from that allow for a succession of blooms from early spring through early summer. Crocus, pushkinia, scillia and snowdrops are examples of bulbs to plant for early display, while hyacinths, daffodils and tulips will follow and may still hold some blooms when you're perennials are ready to take over. We specialize in the "unusual varieties"; unlike the mass merchandisers who sell cheap grade bulbs (Grade A), we sell ultra-high quality (Grade AAA) bulbs for gardening coinsseurs.
To achieve a more natural effect, plant your bulbs in groups of five or more. Tulips and daffodils look somewhat awkward and out of place when left standing alone, but in groups, they're nothing short of spectacular. If you're planting crocus in the lawn, scatter the bulbs, then plant them where they land. Crocus in the lawn give a lively show and are finished by the time you're ready to mow. Daffodils are naturally lovely in a hardwood stand if you can plant them as deeply as they need.
Buy best quality, firm, healthy bulbs and follow planting instructions carefully, making sure the soil is rich in nutrients. While the bulb will supply all the energy to produce that gorgeous bloom the first year, it's important to nourish the bulb so it can continue to do so in future seasons. The sooner you plant after purchasing the better, and you're wise to avoid so-called bargain bulbs that seem small or have blemishes and bad spots.
Our supply of bulbs should be arriving any day. Visit us early for the best selection of rare and unusual varieties.
In this Issue:
Page 1:
ONCE A YEAR EVENT
Biological Integrated Pest Control
Late Season Bloomers
Page 2:
Planting
Spring Flowering Bulbs
Page 3:
Color for Your Winter Garden
Best Time to Plant Large Trees
Houseplants to Brighten Up Your Home
Page 4:
Wildflowers -Do It Now
Deadheading and Fertilizing Perennials
Page 5:
Don't Buy Dead, Cut Christmas Trees!
Gift Certificates for the Holidays
Page 6:
Heirloom Gardening Tools
10th Annual Open House Coming Soon!
Garden Center Available for Meetings & Tours