Bulbs can be a little confusing, especially when you hear terms like naturalize or perennialize. Bulbs that will naturalize are those that multiply and bloom for years in the same location. Traditionally bulbs were naturalized in lawns, but they work very well with groundcovers and perennials, too.
In addition to selecting the right bulbs to naturalize, it is important to plant them in well-prepared soil in the right location. Many varieties of bulbs are actually good perennials, but not the best to naturalize. These bulbs perennialize, living on for many years.
There are also hundreds of varieties of bulbs that are magnificent for a few seasons, then they start to fade … but the show they put on makes them well worth planting. Stop by the Information Desk in our garden center and pick up the list called Naturalizing Bulbs.
Beautiful Minor Bulbs
While tulips and daffodils in all their glory may be the backbone of your spring blooming bulbs, there is a wide array of miscellaneous bulbs referred to as “minor bulbs.” That name is deceiving. The contribution they make to the spring bulb experience is anything but “minor.”
It’s hard to imagine spring without the sweet fragrance of hyacinths or the magical appearance of a crocus peeking up through the last of the snow. Quickly following the earliest crocus, you can have drifts of bright blue squill and clusters of delicate species iris.
Alliums are easy to grow and beautiful, providing color later in the season. And don’t forget grape hyacinths, frittilarias, snowdrops and all the others. When planning which bulbs you are going to plant for spring, think of minor bulbs as the accessories that
enhance and complete the look. Your bulb displays will be
beautiful without the addition of minor bulbs but even more
fantastic with them.
Choosing Quality Bulbs
Every season Bachman’s offers number-one bulbs that are graded as top-size. When picking out your bulbs, look for bulbs that are relatively heavy and solid for their size. Avoid those that are lightweight
or soft. It is impossible to harvest bulbs without causing a few nicks, but don’t buy bulbs with deep cuts. Tulips naturally begin to loose their papery skins as they dry, so don’t worry about that.
Be as gentle as possible to avoid bruising your bulbs and store them in paper bags somewhere cool and dry until the appropriate time for planting. When dealing with thousands of bulbs, as we do, occasionally one of lesser quality may sneak in. Don’t hesitate to set it aside. If you have any questions, we’d be happy to assist you in making your selections.
Heritage Oak
If you have lost an elm or are just looking for a great shade tree, try the fast growing Heritage Oak. This beautiful specimen tree was developed from a cross between Bur Oak and English Oak. It prefers well-drained soil and is drought tolerant once established. The Heritage Oak is a vigorous hybrid hardy to Zone 4, and it is prized for its superior form with a straight leader and a balanced branch pattern.
The tree’s large glossy dark green leaves are disease resistant and change to a rusty brown color in fall. The Heritage Oak reaches heights up to 80’ tall and up to 50’ wide, and it does produce acorns.
Did You Know?
Corn has replaced wheat as the world’s number one food crop.
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
