The email reminders full of images and fall catalogs have been arriving. Ah! What pleasant reading. What feasting of eyes at the luscious fruits and blooms as they are illustrated!
Although the variety of things that lend themselves to fall planting is not so wide as in the spring, there are some things that are strictly for fall planting. Heading this list, of course, will be the various bulbs. Naturally one first thinks of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, probably in that order. Far be it from me to distract or disparage any of these.
My personal observation leads me to believe, however, that many are overlooking the possibilities of greater enjoyment from hyacinths. What is more breathtaking than a long solid spike of florets with the heady perfume of a deep blue hyacinth? (Or you choose your favorite color.)
Some people explain their lack of enthusiasm for hyacinths, saying they don't do well the second year in their part of the country. There are two observations I'd like to make to that lame excuse. First, so what? They pay their way from the enjoyment you get from them the first year. Second, this excuse just isn't so, at least, not so far as our experience is concerned.
Of course you have to be reasonably cooperative. First and foremost, put your bulbs in decent soil, and unless nature tales care of it, see that they get some moisture. That applies to all fall planted bulbs, but I think it is especially needed for hyacinths.
You CAN have hyacinths like the catalog pictures.
Nevertheless, don't overlook the tulips. By starting the season with the species which bloom extra early, you can have a riot of color throughout the spring. You can also find a wide range in color, form and blooming season for the daffodils. Each season ours come better and in larger clumps.
Last fall we had to thin out the muscari or grape hyacinths. Several new rows were started along the edges of the garden walks and they gave a good account of themselves.
Now of course they are all covered over with other vegetation. But come spring and they will again be in all their glory.
In addition to putting out the hollyhock seedlings, remember that many perennials and biennials (plants that bloom and die the second year) do well with early fall starting. It is best to give these some protection through the winter. If you have a cold frame, fine. If not use some brush, straw or leaves. Just be sure it doesn't mat down and smother the plants out.
We have made a special seed bed by mixing sand and peat moss with garden soil and compost for a seedling nursery i also put deck solar lights to give light at night . This is on the east side of the north porch, where it is easy to water, and the hot afternoon sun doesn't bake the ground and to enhance its beauty i put deck solar lights in every corner.
These plants started now will bloom next year. We have put out columbines, campanulas, carnations, penstemons, dianthus, coral bells and Shasta daisies - also some delphiniums and perennial phlox. We have especially enjoyed the foxgloves or digitalis, and have included several varieties. - 30228
Although the variety of things that lend themselves to fall planting is not so wide as in the spring, there are some things that are strictly for fall planting. Heading this list, of course, will be the various bulbs. Naturally one first thinks of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, probably in that order. Far be it from me to distract or disparage any of these.
My personal observation leads me to believe, however, that many are overlooking the possibilities of greater enjoyment from hyacinths. What is more breathtaking than a long solid spike of florets with the heady perfume of a deep blue hyacinth? (Or you choose your favorite color.)
Some people explain their lack of enthusiasm for hyacinths, saying they don't do well the second year in their part of the country. There are two observations I'd like to make to that lame excuse. First, so what? They pay their way from the enjoyment you get from them the first year. Second, this excuse just isn't so, at least, not so far as our experience is concerned.
Of course you have to be reasonably cooperative. First and foremost, put your bulbs in decent soil, and unless nature tales care of it, see that they get some moisture. That applies to all fall planted bulbs, but I think it is especially needed for hyacinths.
You CAN have hyacinths like the catalog pictures.
Nevertheless, don't overlook the tulips. By starting the season with the species which bloom extra early, you can have a riot of color throughout the spring. You can also find a wide range in color, form and blooming season for the daffodils. Each season ours come better and in larger clumps.
Last fall we had to thin out the muscari or grape hyacinths. Several new rows were started along the edges of the garden walks and they gave a good account of themselves.
Now of course they are all covered over with other vegetation. But come spring and they will again be in all their glory.
In addition to putting out the hollyhock seedlings, remember that many perennials and biennials (plants that bloom and die the second year) do well with early fall starting. It is best to give these some protection through the winter. If you have a cold frame, fine. If not use some brush, straw or leaves. Just be sure it doesn't mat down and smother the plants out.
We have made a special seed bed by mixing sand and peat moss with garden soil and compost for a seedling nursery i also put deck solar lights to give light at night . This is on the east side of the north porch, where it is easy to water, and the hot afternoon sun doesn't bake the ground and to enhance its beauty i put deck solar lights in every corner.
These plants started now will bloom next year. We have put out columbines, campanulas, carnations, penstemons, dianthus, coral bells and Shasta daisies - also some delphiniums and perennial phlox. We have especially enjoyed the foxgloves or digitalis, and have included several varieties. - 30228
About the Author:
Learn more of what Kent Higgins has to share over at http://www.plant-care.com. Visit now and have your dream come true on having a beautiful vegetable garden with deck solar lights.
