Rain Lilies (click to enlarge)
Picture: Tom MacCubbin
Maybe this seems like a bit different New Year’s
Resolution but gardeners should plant more bulbs. Over
the years I have watched the supply dry up at garden
centers because we do not buy them. It makes sense if
something does not sell -- the garden centers are not
going to make them available.
There are so many
great bulbs but they don’t sell because most are not in
bloom when purchased. Maybe we are afraid they are not
going to grow for us or could it just be we are a bit
impatient and don’t want to wait for the results.
Florida has some great bulbs but they are not going
to be the tulips, crocus or daffodils of the north. They
are going to be the tropical bulbs.
One of the
most durable is the crinum. They grow almost anywhere
and come in white, red, pink and blends for the
landscape. Here are some more bulbs you just have to try
including the caladiums, amaryllis, rain lilies
(pictured), agapanthus, clivia, cannas and gingers. Not
all are true bulbs but they are good performers.
So next time you are at the garden center or paging
through catalogs take a look at the bulbs and don’t be
afraid to take a chance. Buy them in the bulb stage and
plant them. You are almost always guaranteed big
rewards.
For more information on planting bulbs
click
here for our "HisandHersGardening.com" how-to video.
