Bulbs begin to arrive

. . . in the mail, not blooming in the garden. Yesterday I got a little box from Brent and Becky's which had three bags of snowdrop bulbs: G. nivalis 'Viridapice', G. woronowii and G. Sam Arnott. I have small clumps of the first two that I planted "in the green" from Carolyn's Shade Garden out east. This time I decided to add more typical fall planted bulbs. Last spring I actually marked where my other snowdrop clumps are planted so I will be easily able to know where to put these additions.

Sam is one of the largest in bloom size and height, so he's going under my dad's memorial Ginkgo tree where I should be able to see him from in the house when he arrives above ground next spring.

G. 'Magnet' (above) is coming from Old House Gardens which last offered it in 2014. It's a strong grower and holds its flowers on unusually long pedicels making for a particularly striking floral display. I've always regretted I did not order more at the time, so I was thrilled to see it available again. Here it is in my garden in 2015.

At this time of year when I am adding new plants, dividing and moving old stalwarts and putting in bulbs, all I can think about is next spring. Here we are on the cusp of autumn and all I want is to jump ahead two seasons. It is a crazy way to be thinking and yet it is that desire to see what comes next that keeps me going from year to year into — hopefully — a ripe old gardening age.

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

Reading this makes me wish I had purchased some bulbs too. Aren't you clever to mark your flowers as they were blooming. I have often thought I should do that yet it remains to be accomplished. I have faith that you will be gardening into your old age. Hopefully we all will. I have a friend that is 88 and still gardens as much as she can and hires the rest done for her.

[Kris P]

I received my first bulb order too. I wish I'd had your presence of mind in marking the locations of this year's blooms - I have a disappointing knack for shoving my bulb planter right through existing bulbs.

[Linda Brazill]

This is the first time that I've ever marked a few spots where bulbs are planted. I usually do as you do: dig right into them when I am planting new ones.

[Nell]

Two years ago I bought a bag of river stones intended for marking the locations of daffodil clumps. Yesterday I discovered it beneath a luxuriant tangle of morning glory while weeding around the back of the garden. Oops.
Next spring for sure!

[Linda Brazill]

In the spring it is always so obvious where to plant some bulbs and it is amazing how that changes during the growing season. The only bulbs i really marked are the snowdrops and I am worried I am going to harm some tulips when I add more to that bed.