Last week I concentrated on tender bulbs. This week let’s concentrate on the spring-flowering bulbs. These can be planted now. Ideally, they should go in about six to eight weeks before the ground freezes but after the weather has cooled. That’s usually mid-October to mid-November in our area.
When you think of bulbs, think onions — a flat base where the roots grow; scales, the layers of the onion, with the developing flower bud and leaf inside. Some, tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, for example, have a papery covering, called a tunic.
Others, such as lilies, have no tunic and require moisture to keep the scales from drying out. In general, bulbs should be planted in well-drained soil at a depth equal to three times the height of the bulb. Plant with the pointy end up and, if desired, supplement the soil with a bulb fertilizer or bulb meal.
Corms are actually swellings of the stem bases. If you cut one open you would not see the scales or layers present in bulbs. Crocus and colchicum are examples of corms. They have a basal plate like the bulbs where the roots grow and a growing point. As above, plant with the root end down with one exception.
Some corms have an indention on the topside; these can be planted on their side to discourage rotting when water accumulates in the indented area. Generally corms are planted about 3 inches deep but check individual varieties for specific information.
My saffron crocuses are blooming now. Each flower produces three stigmas, the red, sticky part of the flower that collects pollen. Though you can grow your own saffron, don’t expect a bumper crop. It takes 210,000 stigmas or so, about 70,000 flowers, to make a pound of saffron. Yes, I did harvest my saffron and have enough for one batch of rice.
Nodding ladies tresses
I’ve had several requests for sources for Piranhas cernua. While many nurseries are either closed for the season or out of stock, check these sources next spring; they normally carry this plant:
•Online: Plant Delights http://www.plantdelights.com; North Creek Nurseries http://www.northcreeknurseries.com; Sunshine Farms and Gardens http://www.sunfarm.com
I got my plants locally. Most nurseries have closed for the season but these sold nodding ladies tresses this season.
•Local Nurseries: Point Phillip Perennials (www.ppperennials.com); American Native Nursery (www.americannativenursery.com); Northeast Natives and Perennials (http://www.nenativesandperennials.com)
Storm damage
This week’s storm had extremely high winds that left a mess of broken branches, uprooted trees and downed power lines. Please use care when clearing thing up. Here are a few reminders about storm cleanup:
•Always check for fallen wires or wires tangled in trees before even considering clearing storm damage. Contact the utility company if you see damage or suspect a problem.
•Check overhead for dangling branches or dangerous cracked limbs. These should be removed to prevent further damage and injuries.
•If the damage in your yard involves heavy limbs or heights, contact an arborist. Do not attempt to remove any branches that would involve you climbing a ladder.
•Check anyone you hire to prune or trim your plants. Make sure they are insured and properly trained and certified. Look for a certification by an accredited organization, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and membership in professional organizations: ISA, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). Check references and get more than one quote.
•Always contact your municipal government to see if permits are required for any work you intend to have done.
•Photograph all damage before any repairs or cleanup. Contact your insurance agent for information on coverage.
•Check for roof damage and gutter problems. Even if you don’t have a leak or drainage problem now, repair them before the next storm comes.
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