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BULBS
&BLOOMS
ATTRACTING BIRDS
TO YOUR GARDEN
Royal Botanical Gardens world-renowned
Rock Garden reopened May 2016 after a $20 million renovation
Explore
Editors
note
A LAYERED
APPROACH TO
GARDENING
AS A GARDENER IN THE 21ST CENTURY, I STRIVE TO DO THE RIGHT THINGplant for
pollinators, grow a few vegetables, feed perennials and woody plants organically (okay, I
admit to using synthetic fertilizers in containers), but I realized how much more I could do
after I heard Claudia West, co-author of Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant
Communities for Resilient Landscapes, at AmericanHorts Cultivate16. Her book has been
reviewed, talked about and generally praised by many, and I felt fortunate to experience
her passion and practical approach first-hand.
Photos, top to bottom: Laura Berman; Donna Griffith GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 1
GARDENING GARDEN CONTAINER GARDENS ABOUT ENTER
EVENTS DESIGN GARDENING TO VISIT US TO WIN
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sales, workshops of garden bed container combos at great garden the people & news at books, tickets,
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BULBS
& BLOOMS
27
GARDENMAKING.COM
CONTENTS
1 Editors Letter
5 Notebook
New dwarf irises; sowing seeds for perennials;
make summer blooms last; 5 autumn projects
14 Ultimate Bulb Guide
How to choose and plant spring bulbs
18 Bulb FAQs
Advice on how to keep your bulbs healthy
and happy
20 Beloved Bulbs
Gardeners share their top picks
24 Maritime Mosaic
Diverse plantings star in a garden near Halifax
31 Dwarf Daffodils
Add spring sparkle with these tiny gems
34 Double Tulips
Twice the petals and twice as beautiful
40 More to Love About Lilies
New looks in the world of lilies
46 Autumn Epilogue
Fall-blooming perennials to extend the season
Cover, Asiatic lily: 52 Tweet Success
Marg Cousens/Gap How to attract more birds to your garden
This page, Japanese
primrose: Izzy Dempsey 58 Bulb-Planting Tools
for Garden Making Tools and tips to help ease this annual task
61 Sources
62 You Asked Us
64 Nota Bene: Native bulbs
Alan Titchmarsh
Inspiring & informing home gardeners
27
GARDENMAKING.COM
BULBS &
BLOOMS
Editor-in-Chief BECKIE FOX
Design Director GARY HALL
at HortusTV.com
Low monthly fee. Garden Making prints on paper with
No long-term commitment. 10% post-consumer content. Details
at gardenmaking.com/environment
NOTE
BOOK
Irresistible irises
Toronto plant hybridizer Alan McMurtrie has created
something truly magical for iris lovers: a stunning array
of differently coloured Iris reticulata, one of the first bulbs
to bloom in spring. And its taken him only three decades.
Thanks to McMurtries perseverance, added to this iris
palette that once included only shades of blue and purple
are the new colours of green, brown and orange, as well
as new combinations of white, yellow and wine red. j
Older spring
irises, such as
this Iris reticulata
Harmony, remain
popular, but newer
hybrids offer even
more dramatic
colouring.
NEW
IRISES
TO TRY
CONTINUED
Splish Splash, a new hybrid from Alan McMurtrie.
Of the nearly 30 featured at this izer is a huge bonus. They love which grow just four to six
years Royal Horticultural Society that, too. inches (10 to 15 cm) tall on
show in London, England, seven The route to success, how- four-sided stems, fascinate
of McMurtries marvels are now ever, hasnt been easy for the re- McMurtrie? Theyre one of
available from mail-order nurser- tired electrical engineer turned the first flowers to appear each
ies in Canada, including Botanus plant sleuth and breeder. Thirty year, he says. Here in Toronto,
in Langley, B.C., and Veseys in years ago, I went plant col- they bloom right as the snow is
York, P.E.I.: lecting in Turkey with a goal of disappearingperfect for help-
Eye Catcher, snow white finding a diploid form of yellow ing to get rid of the winter blahs.
with navy markings and Iris danfordiae for use in hybrid- Some years they seem to come
yellow ridges izing, McMurtrie explains. He up right through the snow.
Scent Sational, a fragrant found the danfordiae he wanted His introductions have been a
grape purple and set about crossing it with hit in England, Scotland and the
Sea Breeze, bright blue blue and purple I. reticulata and Netherlands. The Garden, the
flowers with contrasting other species, spending hours prestigious RHS magazine, de-
white tips every spring dabbling with the scribed them as dramatic, and
Splish Splash, combination pollen of different varieties in his almost like something from a
of blue, white and yellow own garden. Creating a white dark fairy tale. More of McMur-
Spot On, rich purple with flower in 1999, he realized he tries new irises are expected
dark purple-tipped white falls was making a breakthrough. It to be available in Canada next
that are dotted with yellow has taken more than 15 years to year, including Orange Glow,
Sunshine, bright yellow multiply one bulb into more than with bright orange falls marked
Top: Scent Sational, White Caucasus, white 100,000, he says. with dark brown, which will be
a fragrant-grape flowers with a bright McMurtrie has worked in limited quantities.
purple hybrid. yellow stripe with growers in Holland and McMurtrie is dedicated to
Bottom: Limited Alans hybrids are doing promoters in England, as well producing varieties well suited
quantities of Orange extremely well, says Wendy as wholesalers and retailers at to Canadian growing conditions.
Glow are expected Leroux, customer care manager home and abroad, interested in In a sense, all Im doing is giving
for next year. for Botanus. People love them carrying his hybrids, and now, Mother Nature a helping hand.
because they are so pretty and happily, all his hard work is start- Lorraine Hunter
colourful, and the fact that they ing to pay off.
come from a Canadian hybrid- Why do these dwarf irises, FOR SOURCES, SEE PAGE 61.
.C
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FORGET TO
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2016
2 FALL
016 FALL BBULB CATALOGUE
ULB C ATALOGUE
SOWING
SAVED
PERENNIAL
SEED
In late summer, collect seed from your
favourite perennials and plant them
in containers using a soilless mix.
Columbines (Aquilegia spp. and cvs.),
bellflowers (Campanula spp. and cvs.),
tickseed (Coreopsis spp. and cvs.), and
speedwell (Veronica spp. and cvs.) are
relatively easy to grow from saved seed.
Ensure theyre in contact with the
soil, but dont bury themtry to
mimic conditions they would have
encountered if they had fallen from
the plant onto the ground. Set the
containers on a tray and cover with a
piece of screening for protection, then
place outdoors under shrubbery.
Winter snow will bury the tray and
cold temperatures will work on the
seeds until spring, when hopefully youll
find them germinating. By midsummer,
you should have small plants to set in the
garden. Judith Adam
Gardens of Canada
This fall, make time to visit one of these spectacular gardens
Canadian
Garden
Council
gardencouncil.ca
Conseil
canadien
du jardin
j Rosy Returns,
pink
DAYLILIES purple/pink
bicolour
j Apricot
Sparkles,
Everblooming dwarf daylilies iridescent apricot
(Hemerocallis cvs.) are energetic,
irrepressible and eager to bloom. j Stella de Oro,
Theyll keep opening quantities of gold
flowers from early summer right up to
frost. Their flowers come in brilliant j Black-eyed
colours to complement the autumn Stella,
season. Plants are 18 to 36 inches (45 gold with
to 90 cm) tall, perfect for tucking into burgundy eye
corners (and frost-proof containers) Stella de Oro
throughout the garden. J. A.
HOW TO MAKE
SUMMER FLOWERS
LAST UNTIL FALL
Perennials with long flowering seasons, such as purple coneflower
(Echinacea purpurea), blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora) and summer
phlox (Phlox paniculata), can bloom deeper into autumn when deadheaded
frequently and pinched. Monitor flowers every other day and remove
blooms that are beginning to fade before theyre actually finished. (Plants
carrying dead flowers have already begun to form seeds and have shut
down bud production.) This will prevent the initiation of seed formation,
and the plants will put out more flower buds. Keep the plants well watered
and continue deadheading.
Bushy plants such as chrysanthemums, yarrows (Achillea spp. and cvs.),
agastaches and asters benefit from pinching their terminal flower spikes in
midsummer and again in late summer. This will delay their bloom and cause
them to initiate flower buds from side shoots, requiring time that pushes
their display into autumn. Dont forget about summer annuals such as spike
Blanket flower celosia, cosmos and cleome. Pinching off their top flowers will also cause
side shoots to bloom later in autumn. J. A.
Specializing in Dwarf
TASKS FOR THE
& Unusual Evergreens,
Japanese Maples,
Rhododendrons, Bamboos
AUTUMN GARDEN
SPRING
BULBS
Extend the seasonal show of colourful blooms by choosing bulbs
that flower from early to late spring.
BY BECKIE FOX
This 10-page bulb guide from Garden Making will help you select spring-blooming bulbs and choose
the optimal planting sites for them this fall. The following charts divide the season into three blooming
schedules: early, mid- and late spring. With this resource in hand, youll be on your way to creating a
beautiful spring garden with colourful bulbs in bloom for several months.
Following the bulb charts are answers to questions we receive about how to keep the bulbs in our
gardens healthy and happy. And if youre looking for even more planting ideas, read suggestions from
well-known gardeners we canvassed about their favourites on pages 20 to 23.
Photos, left to right: Ham Karel-Visions/Age; Garden Making (3) GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 15
Mid-spring | Depending on temperatures, these bulbs usually peak in late April through May.
Trout lily, dogs tooth violet Yellow, pink, 6 in (15 cm) 3 Part shade B, N Corms prefer a moist, woodland
(Erythronium spp.) lilac, white setting; attractive mottled foliage
Crown imperial Red, orange, 24 in 5 Sun B Malodorous, but only at close
(Fritillaria imperialis) yellow (60 cm) range; critter-proof
Checkered lily Purple, white 8 in 3 Sun, part B, N Watch for red lily leaf beetles
(F. meleagris) (20 cm) shade
Hyacinth Pink, blue, 10 in 4 Sun, part B, F, P Looks best planted in groups
(Hyacinthus orientalis) yellow, purple, (25 cm) shade of three or more
lilac, white
Grape hyacinths Pink, blue, 6 in 3 Sun, part B, F, M. armeniacum is a vigorous
(Muscari spp.) white (15 cm) shade N spreader
Large- and small-cupped, Pink, yellow, 10 to 18 in 3 Sun, part B, C, Cupped daffodils often have ruffled
double daffodils white (25 to shade F, P coronas; doubles can have double
(Narcissus spp. and cvs.) 45 cm) trumpets, perianths or both
Triumph, Darwin tulips Red, pink, 8 to 22 in 3 Sun B, C, Triumphs are crosses of early and late
(Tulipa cvs.) orange, (20 to F, P single tulips, while Darwins are crosses
yellow, purple, 56 cm) of Fosterianas and single earlies; both
lilac, maroon, are strong, sturdy tulips
white
Checkered lily
16 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photos, clockwise from left: Visions/Age; Frank Teigler/Age; Garden Making
Late spring | Bridge the gap between mid-spring bulbs and summer perennials with these late bloomers.
Alliums Blue, yellow, 4 to 70 in 4 to 6 Sun, part B, C Most develop interesting seed heads;
(Allium spp. and cvs.) purple, ma- (10 to shade critter-proof; A. moly is a vigorous
roon, white 175 cm) spreader
Camas, quamash Blue 12 in 4 Sun, part B, N Will tolerate moist, heavy soils;
(Camassia spp.) (30 cm) shade Blue Melody has variegated leaves
Summer snowflake White 12 in 4 Sun, part B, N Gravetye Giant reaches 24 in (60 cm)
(Leucojum aestivum) (30 cm) shade
Mini, poetaz daffodils Orange, yel- 8 to 16 in 3 Sun, part B, Poetaz (a.k.a. poeticus) types are
(Narcissus spp. and cvs.) low, white (20 to shade C, F, especially fragrant
40 cm) N, P
Single late, double late, Red, pink, 12 to 30 in 3 Sun B, C, Blooms on double late tulips
parrot, viridiflora, fringed, orange, yel- (30 to F, P resemble peonies; viridifloras are
multi-flowering and low, purple, 75 cm) long-blooming; lily-flowered tulips
lily-flowered tulips lilac, maroon, pointed petals and arching stems
(Tulipa spp. and cvs.) white are particularly graceful
Bulgarian honey garlic Greenish 36 in 6 Sun B, C Garlic-scented leaves; sometimes sold
(Nectaroscordum siculum white with (90 cm) as Allium bulgaricum
ssp. bulgaricum) purple stripes
Photos, clockwise from left: Garden Making (2); Laura Berman GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 17
BULB
FAQS
How deep do I plant bulbs?
Read the instructions on the
package for specific bulbs,
but as a general rule, plant
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked When should I feed my bulbs?
questions we receive about how to make spring-blooming
bulbs happy and healthy, and keep them that way. Advice varies. Some gardeners add bonemeal
at planting time; others dont bother, feeling
as long as bulbs are planted in soil that drains
well and has been amended with organic mat-
How far apart do How late can I plant Which end ter, theyll be fine.
I plant bulbs? them in the fall? goes up? In the spring, when your bulbs leaves first
appear, you could give them a boost for the
Generally, smaller bulbs Gardeners will sometimes For tulips and daffodils, following year by adding a layer of compost or
can be planted close glibly say that as long as the answer is easy: pointy composted cattle manure around the base of
together, but not touch- you can get a trowel into end up. For smaller the plants, or watering in a high-phosphorus
ing. A dozen closely the ground, its not too bulbs such as crocus, it soluble fertilizer, diluted to half-strength.
planted small bulbs, such late. This may be gener- might not be so obvious.
as crocus or snowdrops, ally true, but the earlier Sometimes there is a tiny
has more visual impact you can get your bulbs growing tip on one side
than taking a dozen small planted before the soil and a few fringy roots on Why is it important to let bulb
bulbs and placing them freezes, the more time the opposite side, and
individually throughout a theyll have to start root this helps. foliage die back naturally?
border. growth. Also, they wont If its impossible to be
In the case of large be languishing on your sure which is the top, Allowing bulb foliage to gradually die back
daffodils, leave at least a countertops, drying out in plant it on its sidewhen without interference encourages the production
couple of inches (5 cm) their packaging. the shoots begin to of carbohydrates, crucial to making next years
between bulbs to allow Bulbs that prefer plant- emerge in the spring, blooms. Dont remove, trim, braid or bundle the
for expansion as they ing in early fall are snow- theyll find their way to leaves, no matter how unsightly they may be, until
multiply. drops and winter aconite, the sun. the foliage is completely yellow. Yellow leaves
which are small and tend signal that the chlorophyll is gone and no more
to dry out if left out of the food is being produced.
ground too long. Try to
get these into your garden But I dislike looking at dying bulb
soon after purchase. foliage. Any suggestions?
Im renovating my You have a few options. and replant in the fall as you Option 3: In the spring, mark
Option 1: After the foliage dies would recently purchased the clump of bulbs you wish
garden and need to back in spring, lift the bulbs, bulbs. Option 2: Once the to move. In the fall, carefully
move my spring bulbs to brush off excess soil and place foliage is nearly ripened, lift the lift the dormant bulbs, making
in an open, shady spot for a clump of bulbs and replant in a wide circle to avoid slicing
another area. When and few days. Then, place the bulbs their new location at the same into any on the perimeter, and
how should I do this? in a dry, cool spot over summer depth they were growing at. replant in their new location.
TS A LEAP OF FAITH. YOU BURY A SMALL, non-descript fibrous mass, not always knowing which
end is up. Some bulbs you plant in fall; others you plant in spring and dig up in fall, knowing that win-
ter will turn them to mush. You may well mark where theyre buried then forget about them, until one
day you see signs of growth, and youre pleased with yourself because you made the effort.
With such a burgeoning variety of bulbs, tubers and corms available, we invited a few gardening
industry folks to tell us about their personal favouritesmaybe theyll become your favourites, too.
Narcissus naturalize beautifully in my 10-acre garden. Ive planted 20,000 Just a single tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)
is outstanding. It grows from a tuberous root
over the past 10 years and they continue to multiply each year. Look for
and blooms August to September, producing a
varieties that say suitable for naturalizing, as some multiply better than beguiling fragrance to rival any rose. (Flowers
others. I like Carlton in particular. Narcissus are rodent and deer resistant, are harvested in volume for their oils, extracted
and they make beautiful cut flowers; some varieties are fragrant. My plan is for use in fine perfumes.) Its a pretty plant with
creamy white tubular flowers along a tall stem.
that my narcissus meadows will outlive me.
The flowers open at night, and as they dowow!
Mark Cullen (markcullen.com), recent Ontario recipient of the Order of Canada
for his contributions to horticultural and environmental education David Hobson (davidhobson.ca), blogger, photog-
rapher, and weekly columnist for The Waterloo Region
Record in Ontario
Sara Williams, author, horticulturist and Dugald Cameron, first president of the Greater
Master Gardener program instructor at Pineapple lily Toronto Bulb Society and co-founder of the specialty
University of Saskatchewan mail-order nursery Gardenimport, which closed in 2014
20 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photos, left to right: Liz Cole-GWI/Age; Visions Botanical/Age
MORE
BULB IDEAS
ONLINE
Find more favourites from
other gardening gurus at
gardenmaking.com/bulbs
Joyful
Hearts
Love Spring Blooms? Plant Bulbs this Fall!
3ODQWWKHVHVSULQJRZHULQJEXOEVWKLVIDOOWRHQMR\EORRPV
in the spring. Visit your local Florissa brand retailer or visit
ZZZRULVVDFRP IRU WKH JDUGHQ FHQWHU QHDUHVW \RX
Seabreeze
new Via Con Dios
Under the Stars Tulip
'Ballerina tulip
Photos, left to right: Visions/Age; Niki Jabbour GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 23
MARITIME
MOSAIC
From woodland to wetland, rhodos to rocks, this Nova Scotia garden
has it all, including a gardeners gardener as one of its creators.
BY HEATHER WHITE. PHOTOGRAPHY BY IZZY DEMPSEY
and manure, we can say we have soil. We con- Tell me about your many rhododendrons
tinued to add composted oak leaves over the and magnolias.
yearsfriends call us the leaf bandits. We have more than 200 rhodos and 35 magno-
lias. The magnolias are in Duffs care. (He has
So you got by with contributions from friends. been known to pick the leaves off the large-leaf
When we first moved here we were empty Magnolia tripetala and obovata if there is a
nesters and I wasnt working, so gardening threat of early wet snow!) When we first went
was my contact with the world. It can be very to Bayport Plant Farm and met Captain Dick
socialwe belong to a few clubs, such as the Steele [co-founder of the ARHS and a rhodo-
Atlantic Rhododendron & Horticultural Soci- dendron breeder], I asked if there was anything
ety (ARHS), and host events here. The garden special about planting a magnolia. His response
wouldnt be half of what it is without friends was, Yes. You put the roots in the ground. We
suggestions and gifts. I have an orange aza- werent too intimidated then! Later I asked him
lea, a cross made by a friend, and a collection about feeding plants, and he said, You feed
of magnolia seedlings started by a friend with your kids, dont you? So we began to broad-
seed crosses from the American Magnolia Soci- cast handfuls of a general fertilizer, 6-12-12,
ety. Trillium grandiflorum Flore Pleno was a which made a significant difference.
birthday gift from a gardening friend. We start- Also, despite conventional wisdom, our rho-
ed with three Primula japonica, also gifts, and dos are happier in sun than in shadethey are
now there are almost 1,000, all self-seeded. more compact and have more buds.
And Hugos rose [Rosa hugonis] came from
a cutting taken from a friends garden. Roses I love that there are so many seating areas.
dont tend to do well here, but we have to cut Do you ever get to use them?
the lovely Hugo back from time to time in order We do, with coffee, although in my next life I
to get to the storage shed. would like an under-gardener and a sous chef!
We can also see the garden from every win-
I see you speak Latin. Do you feel thats a pre- dow of the house. But we dont get the scent
requisite of being embedded in gardening clubs? or sound so much that way. Duff keeps bees,
Not in an egotistical way. Its more about clar- and there are always birds aroundnot least
ity. I do like to make a stab at the Latin names. of all the chickadees nesting in the birdhouses
If I get them wrong, people are kindthey he built. Bird song abounds. When its warm
gently correct me or roll their eyesbut you and the bees are active, theres a light hum
know, common names are much more fun. For and bouquet of beeswax on the breeze. We also
example, Colchicum autumnale is also called have lots of dragonflies on account of the lake
naked lady; Nigella can be either love-in-a- they are aquatic creatures.
mist or devil-in-a-bush.
2 3
1. A potted phormium
anchors one end of the
dry stone wall.
2. Marsh marigolds and
iris fill boggy areas near
the lake.
3. Pink Rhododendron
schlippenbachii
underplanted with tulips
and grape hyacinths.
32 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photos, top to bottom: Trevor Sims, Cora Niele-GWI/Age
For a parade of dainty daffodils throughout spring, plant drifts of early-, mid- and late-season varieties. Fragrant Quail blooms
in mid-spring, and makes a good cut flower. Each stem produces three golden blooms.
Photos, left to right: Lucy Griffiths; Visions/Gap GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 35
Left: Exotic Emperor, introduced in 2001, is one
of six cultivars in the Emperor Series. It blooms on
strong, sturdy stems.
TOP 10
The progeny of the Central Asian Tulipa Although Double Early Group tulips have been
DOUBLE fosteriana and its hybrids crossed with around since the early 1600s, most modern
TULIPS T. greigii and/or T. kaufmanniana cultivars,
Fosteriana Group varieties are the first tulips
cultivars are derived from an 1860 introduction
called Murillo and its sports. As a result, apart
Grouped to bloom in many gardens. from the colour of their tepals, present-day
according to early doubles all bear similar bowl-shaped
division and EXOTIC EMPEROR flowers, grow about 10 inches (25 cm) tall and
sequence DOUBLE FOSTERIANA TULIP bloom at the same time.
of bloom. Growing 16 inches (40 cm) tall on thick, sturdy
stems, Exotic Emperor produces cool white MONTE CARLO DOUBLE EARLY TULIP
double blooms with occasional streaks of green With a flower form frequently likened to roses,
that are framed by gently twisting green-and-white fragrant Monte Carlo bears bright yellow
outer tepals. The loose, fragrant flowers look best blooms with faint red streaks; hot spring weather
when bulbs are densely planted (one inch/2.5 cm may cause the outer tepals to fade to primrose
apart) in groups of 15 or more. yellow.
There are six cultivars in the Emperor Series, Introduced in 1955, Monte Carlo makes
beginning with Red Emperor (Mme. Lefeber) in a bold statement in borders (plant at least 20
1931, followed in 1943 by its natural sport, White bulbs), and is suitable for container growing and
Emperor (Purissima). Exotic Emperor was intro- as a cut flower, lasting twice as long as single
duced in 2001. early tulips.
Above: Royal Acres is a vigorous modern hybrid bred in the Netherlands Double Red Riding Hood
by prolific tulip hybridizer Jan Ligthart. grows 12 inches (15 cm) tall.
38 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photos, clockwise from left: Nicola Stocken/Visions-Age; Nathalie Pasquel/Age; Visions/Age
The result of several crosses, Sensual Touch is
popular not only for its luscious warm colours, but
also for its yellow fringed edges.
SENSUAL TOUCH
DOUBLE FRINGED TULIP
Looking almost too good to be true, fragrant
Sensual Touch bears ornate double blooms that
vary in colour from orange to golden apricot,
delicately flushed with salmon and crowned with
an exquisite soft yellow fringe.
Growing 16 inches (40 cm) tall, Sensual Touch
is the result of crosses between several hybrids,
including pink Fancy Frills and Monte Carlo,
and was introduced in 2008. A superb pick-me-
up for tired late-spring borders; plant in groups of
15 or more.
LILIES
More colours, sizes and vigour are a few of the exciting
developments unfolding in the world of lilies.
BY COLLEEN ZACHARIAS
P
LANTS, LIKE PEOPLE, HAVE HABITS that distinguish them from others. Some are
sociable, cozying up to their neighbours in search of perfect partners on which to twine
their tendrils, spread their leaves and branches, or stealthily encroach, claiming more
ground than necessary. Others take no heed of boundaries, indiscriminately popping
up in irritating places. The lily commands its space with singular beauty, its unhurried
gregariousness appreciated, indeed nurtured, as it adds new stems each spring.
Strongly upright, the lily is a bulbous plant that belongs to the genus Lilium. Gener-
ally hardy to Zone 2, lilies are long-lived, require a minimum of care and multiply over
time. There are nine divisions, with Asiatic, trumpet and Oriental hybrids the most
widely known. Over the years, renowned plant breeders in Canada, such as A.J. (Bert)
Porter, Robert Simonet, Frank Skinner and Percy Wright, hybridized lilies, includ-
ing Asiatics, Martagons and various species, paving the way for the next generation of
hybridizers. Breeding continues to revolutionize the sizes, colours and capabilities of
many plant varieties we grow today, and lilies are no exception to these efforts.
Photos: 1. Clive Nichols/Gap; 2. Lily Nook; 3. Gap GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 43
Petite lilies for pots
If you garden where there is no room for the stately lily, consider growing lilies bred for containers. These short-
stemmed beauties, hardy to Zone 3, grow only 14 to 16 inches (35 to 40 cm) tall, but have large blooms.
The Tiny Series from brid lily expert whose prone to leaf burning, techniques that utilize (yellow) and Tiny
Lily Looks, developed family in the Nether- low bud count and thin tissue culture propaga- Nanny (white). Some
by Mak Breeding BV lands specializes in stems, says Kneppers, tion have resulted in varieties sport strik-
in the Netherlands, is growing lilies, says that who is the Eastern lilies with improved ingly unusual colour
reflective of the trend the Tiny Series of short Canada representative performance, more combinations. The
toward shorter, more pot or border Asiatics for Zabo Plant, the U.S. flower buds (up to flower tips of Tiny
compact cultivars, represent a breeding sister company of Zabo eight per stem), Shadow are burnt or-
driven largely by an improvement on the Plant in Holland, one of longer bloom time and ange with dark maroon
increase in the number well-known Pixie Series the worlds largest dis- greener foliage. centres. Popular Tiny
of consumers for (Asiatic), introduced in tributors of lily bulbs. The series includes Poemsdark purple,
whom pot cultivation is 1980 and developed The Tiny Series of Asi- about 25 varieties nearly black centres,
becoming the easiest by renowned Oregon atic lilies includes some with adorable names, dusky pink flower
and most accessible lily breeder and pio- parentage from the including Tiny Double tipssold out quickly
way to enjoy plants. neer Edward McRae. Pixie Series, he says, You (double orange this spring at garden
Ben Kneppers, a hy- Pixie lilies can be but modern breeding blooms), Tiny Bee centres in Winnipeg.
Lilies are generally The dedicated control in the form of Olds, Alta., under the landscape of its host,
untroubled by pests efforts by research- a tiny parasitic wasp, direction of Ken Fry. and that would not be
or disease, with one ex- ers such as Naomi Tetrastichus setifer, is The goal is to establish in its best interest, so
ception: the tenacious Cappuccino, associ- meeting with promis- T. setifer. we need to find ways of
scarlet lily leaf beetle ate professor in the ing results. Regardless of the tiny working with the envi-
(LLB). However, any department of biology As part of an ongo- wasps propensity as ronment, says Fry, and
reports of the lilys im- at Carleton University ing study, T. setifer is a natural predator, the have the population
minent disappearance in Ottawa, and Lisa being trialled in lily test lily leaf beetle is here to of LLBs at a level thats
from the landscape Tewksbury, research gardens in Winnipeg stay, and gardeners will acceptable to us, even
by this alien invasive associate at the Univer- under the direction of need to continue moni- if it means visible signs
species are greatly sity of Rhode Island, to entomologist Ian Wise toring their lilies. No of chewing damage on
exaggerated. introduce biological and at Olds College, parasitoid will rid the our lilies.
Lily essentials
At one time, it was compost. Most lilies small amount of bone- especially in heavy clay hybrids, bloom best in
said the best time to should be planted six meal can be added soil, or increase the risk full sun. Lilies, similar to
plant lily bulbs was the inches (15 cm) deep to the planting hole. of foliar disease such as clematis, like to keep
fall, but most experts and 12 to 16 inches Water in thoroughly botrytis. Water early in their roots cool. Shade
now recommend (30 to 40 cm) apart. after planting. the day so leaves and may be provided by
spring planting. Select Plant more tender lilies, Its essential to avoid petals can dry. The site neighbouring plants,
a location with good such as trumpets and low-lying areas that must be well draining or apply a one-inch
air circulation and Orientals, eight inches may become water- this is not negotiable (2.5-cm) layer of mulch
plant bulbs in soil that (20 cm) deep. logged. Maintain even if you want healthy, (bark chips, shredded
has been amended Place the roots moisture, but avoid thriving lilies. leaves) around the
with organic matter, facing down and the overwatering, as this Most lilies, with the base of the plant.
such as leaf mould and scales pointing up. A can lead to bulb rot, exception of Martagon
Sandy Venton, president of the North While Asiatic lilies increase their numbers
American Lily Society, is a Martagon devotee yearly, Martagons are more reluctant. Venton
1. Matrix, a dwarf Asiatic
who grows several hundred in her Winnipeg increases her collection through a propagation
lily, growing at the base of
garden. Venton says that while some have method called scaling. Venton snaps off four or
taller Asiatic lilies.
blooms that are strongly recurved, similar five scales (the overlapping, fleshy leaves at-
2. Paris Heart, hardy
to a turban (hence the alternative common tached to the stem axis of the lily bulb, known
to Zone 2, has six-inch
name Turks-cap lily), some hybridizers of as the basal plate) and places them in a small
(15-cm)-wide blooms.
Martagons are beginning to breed for less of plastic bag with a small amount of moistened,
3. Yellow Bellies, a new
a recurve so that petals show only a slight tilt sterile potting medium. She stores the bag for
double-flowering variety.
at their tips. L. martagon Arabian Night, for three months in a cool, dark closet, followed
example, has slightly recurved, maroon-red by three months in a warm location, usu-
petals with a golden halo. ally on top of a hot water tank or refrigerator.
Venton says that some hybridizers are also Once small bulblets begin forming, they can be
concentrating on near-black stems, different planted into the ground.
colour combinations and longer pedicels that
stand out from the stem like lampposts.
Martagon lilies, hardy to Zone 3, are prolific FOR SOURCES, SEE PAGE 61.
Photos: 1. Friedrich Strauss/Gap; 2. Lily Nook; 3. The Lily Nook GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 45
Non-invasive Korean
feather reed grass has
attractive silvery pink
seed heads in fall.
48 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photos: 1. Walters Gardens; 2. Nikola Stocken; 3. Dianna Jazwinski /Gap
18 fall-blooming perennials
Arendsii (Aconitum carmichaelii Striking violet-blue hooded flowers on tall stems with fern-like foliage; may Zone 3
monkshood [Arendsii Group] require staking; all parts are toxic. Sun to part shade; 5 x 2 feet (150 x 60 cm)
Arendsii)
James Compton (Actaea simplex Slender spires of reddish-purple stems with scented, bottle brush-type Zone 4
baneberry [Atropurpurea Group] white flowers. Sun to part shade; 3 x 2 feet (90 x 60 cm)
James Compton)
Honorine (Anemone hybrid Branching stems of poppy-like flowers with golden centres; requires Zone 6
Jobert Japanese Honorine Jobert) consistently moist soil. Sun to part shade; 3 x 2 feet (90 x 60 cm)
anemone
Alert (Aster novi-belgii Alert) Dwarf form with crimson-red double flowers; grow in consistently moist soil Zone 4
Michaelmas daisy to discourage mildew; pinch stems back in June to maintain cushion form.
Sun to part shade; 12 x 18 inches (30 x 45 cm)
Snowbank (Boltonia asteroides var. Tall and bushy with grey-green foliage and generous drifts of clear white, Zone 5
false aster latisquama Snowbank) golden-eyed daisies; pinch in midsummer to keep plants compact.
Sun to part shade; 36 x 30 inches (90 x 75 cm)
Korean feather (Calamagrostis Upright, narrow ornamental grass; leaves turn yellow in fall; silvery pink Zone 5
reed grass brachytricha) flowerheads fade to creamy white; attractive in winter; non-invasive.
Sun to part shade; 4 x 2 feet (120 x 60 cm)
Double-flowered (Eupatorium canna- An upright dense clump of reddish stems and masses of long-lasting, Zone 3
hemp agrimony binum f. cannabinum mauve-lilac double blossoms. Sun to part shade; 3 x 2 feet (90 x 60 cm)
Flore Pleno)
Fuego (Helenium autumnale A compact plant with orange daisy-like petals surrounding a gold centre Zone 4
fall helenium Fuego [Mariachi halo and brown cone; prefers consistently moist soil. Sun to part shade;
Series]) 20 x 24 inches (50 x 60 cm)
Happy Days (Helianthus Upright mounds of strong stems holding masses of golden yellow daisies Zone 5
dwarf perennial Happy Days) with anemone-style double centres; prefers consistently moist soil; rabbit
sunflower resistant. Sun; 2 x 2 feet (60 x 60 cm)
Happy Returns (Hemerocallis Happy An everblooming daylily (May until frost) with soft yellow flowers. Sun to part Zone 3
daylily Returns) shade; 16 x 24 inches (40 x 60 cm)
Sea lavender (Limonium platyphyllum) A low rosette of leathery green leaves with wiry stems of cloud-like small, Zone 3
white to pale blue flowers; cut stems just as flowers open for dried
arrangements; tolerates heat and drought. Sun; 2 x 2 feet (60 x 60 cm)
Blood Brothers (Panicum virgatum Vase-shaped mound of green-blue leaves tipped with red; colour Zone 5
red switch grass Blood Brothers) deepens in autumn; small reddish flowers develop into tan seed heads.
Sun; 4 feet x 32 inches (120 x 80 cm)
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) Bushy clumps of grey-green scented foliage; branched spikes of violet-blue Zone 5
flowers; accepts a hot site; prune in spring to no lower than six inches
(15 cm) above ground. Sun; 3 x 2 feet (90 x 60 cm)
Vivid obedient (Physostegia virginiana Tall spikes of vivid pink florets arranged in articulated lines (individual Zone 3
plant Vivid) florets can be moved and will stay in place); can be aggressive in wet soil.
Sun to part shade; 2 x 2 feet (60 x 60 cm)
Herbstsonne (Rudbeckia laciniata Bushy clumps of tall stems; large, golden yellow flowers with reflexed petals Zone 3
coneflower Herbstsonne) and tall yellow-green cones. Sun to part shade; 5 x 3 feet (150 x 90 cm)
African Sunset (Sedum telephium Mahogany-red stems and succulent foliage on bushy mounds; clusters Zone 4
autumn [Atropurpureum Group] of bright cherry-red flowers are held above the leaves. Sun to part shade;
stonecrop African Sunset) 20 x 24 inches (50 x 60 cm)
Crown of Rays (Solidago Crown Bushy mounds of deep green leaves with generous sprays of golden Zone 3
goldenrod of Rays) yellow flowers; non-invasive garden hybrid; deer resistant. Sun to part
shade; 24 x 18 inches (60 x 45 cm)
Toad lily (Tricyrtis hirta) Arching stems studded with white flowers heavily speckled with dark purple Zone 5
spots; prefers consistently moist soil. Part shade to shade; 24 x 18 inches
(60 x 45 cm)
A shrub with brilliant autumn colour is an ideal partner for late-flowering perennials.
Brilliant red (Aronia arbutifolia Fragrant white flowers in spring followed by long-lasting glossy red Zone 6
chokeberry Brilliant) berries; scarlet foliage in autumn; prefers consistently moist soil.
Sun to part shade; 7 x 5 feet (2.1 x 1.5 m)
Rose Glow (Berberis thunbergii Compact vase-shaped shrub; pink-purple new growth turns red in Zone 5
Japanese f. atropurpurea autumn. Sun; 32 x 32 inches (80 x 80 cm)
barberry Rose Glow)
Sixteen Candles (Clethra alnifolia Large, fragrant cream blooms in summer; bright yellow leaves in autumn; Zone 5
summersweet Sixteen Candles) prefers consistently moist soil. Sun to part shade; 5 x 2 feet (1.5 m x 60
cm)
Praecox (Cotoneaster adpressus Waxy, dark green foliage; arching habit; red berries and brilliant red Zone 5
cotoneaster var. praecox) foliage in autumn. Sun; 40 inches x 5 feet (1 x 1.5 m)
Dwarf fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii) Fragrant white flowers on a compact, mounding shrub with blue-green Zone 6
foliage that turns orange, red and yellow in fall; prefers moist but
well-drained soil. Part shade; 3 x 2 feet (90 x 60 cm)
Tiger Eyes (Rhus typhina Bailtiger) Deeply dissected yellow, aromatic foliage turns orange and scarlet in Zone 5
staghorn sumac autumn; minimal suckering. Sun to part shade; 5 x 7 feet (1.5 x 2.1 m)
Golden currant (Ribes aureum) Rounded form; yellow flowers in spring followed by edible berries; Zone 3
foliage turns red in autumn. Sun to part shade; 7 x 5 feet (2.1 x 1.5 m)
Gold Flame (Spiraea japonica Dwarf shrub with gold foliage that turns copper-orange in fall; dark Zone 3
spirea Gold Flame) pink flowers in late spring. Sun; 40 inches x 4 feet (1 x 1.2 m)
50 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photos, left to right: GWI Botanic; Trevor Sims/GWI/Age
are offering a selection of fall-blooming peren- a small shrub with colourful autumn foliage Unlike other sumacs,
nials, and you can pick up a few and get them adds substance to the grouping. (See Colour- Tiger Eyes suckers
into the garden, all ready for their autumn ful Company From Shrubs.) minimally. Its deeply
showing, which will occur in just a few weeks. In my garden, one sunny corner of a pe- dissected foliage is
Even a half-dozen late bloomers will make an rennial bed includes a spring-blooming hel- aromatic in autumn.
effective display and extend your garden into lebore, summer-blooming Blue Fortune
autumn. Look for plants that are full of vigour, agastache and fall-blooming Royal Ruby
not exhausted from the summer heat. Michaelmas daisy. The blooming sequence of
the three plants slightly overlap as the seasons
A PLANNED DESIGN STRATEGY change, and is enhanced with a Karl Foerster
FOR AUTUMN GARDENS feather reed grass that consistently looks good
If youre beginning this process in spring, through all three phases, and a shrub-form
when plant selection is abundant, you can take Japanese maple. In a part-shade location, a
a more organized approach to designing a fall possible trio could be cream-blotched Vic-
display. Instead of filling occasional holes in torian Brooch lungwort (spring), chartreuse
late summer where plants have been removed, yellow August Moon hosta (summer) and
you can consider renovating sections of beds or purple-spotted toad lily (fall), with Sweet
larger areas. Tea heucherella the consistent partner con-
A simple and effective formula for designing tributing vivid amber to cinnamon foliage
for three seasons (spring, summer and fall) is to through the three seasons.
group plants that way in the garden. Planting Climate affects gardens in every season,
for three seasons in one location ensures there and the current weather pattern has given us
will always be something with flowers or co- some long autumn stretches when we can ap-
lourful foliage on display from spring through preciate a new palette of plants coming into
late autumn. Adding one consistent perennial bloom. If were smart, well take advantage of
partner that looks good from spring through the eight weeks from mid-September through
frost (such as a tall sedum or ornamental grass) mid-November to put a new face on the final
helps anchor the design. Where space allows, chapter of a terrific growing season.
WHETHER THEYRE PERMANENT RESIDENTS OR JUST PASSING THROUGH, birds bring American red robins
life, colour and music to the garden. And theyre one of the best pest-control helpmates are the first birds we
a gardener can have. Here are a dozen frequent visitors to Canadian gardens, along with hear in our gardens in
suggestions for food and lodging to encourage them to stay awhile. the morning. They love
to splash and bathe in
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH AMERICAN ROBIN birdbaths and ponds.
Theres no missing the brilliant yellow of the One of the first birds you hear in the morn-
male goldfinch, set off by his jet-black cap ing and the last at night, the American robin
and wings. In the fall, though, he moults his is North Americas largest thrush. Robins lay
golden feathers and dons a buff-olive win- up to three clutches of their pretty blue eggs a
ter coat much like the females. Food-wise, year, though only about 25 per cent of fledg-
its all about seeds for goldfinchesany oc- lings survive. While often spotted hunting
casional insect intake is inadvertent. In fact, earthwormsaptly, a flock is called a worm
goldfinches breed later than most birds, of robinstheyre mainly fruit and berry eat-
waiting until milkweed, thistles and grass- ers. A garden with a mix of fruit-bearing trees
es have gone to seed, ensuring a good food and shrubs is appreciated, but the biggest draw
supply. They also use the fluffy part of the is water, be it birdbath or pond, where they
seed heads to line their nests. Attract these will vigorously splash, bathe and drink.
vegetarians with tube feeders filled with
their favourite nyjer seed (a.k.a. niger or BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
thistle seed). A dapper and chatty little bird, the black-
Photos, left to right: CSP birdphotos/Age; Mother-Daughter Press/Age GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 53
capped chickadee is known for its distinc- sulating warmth. They breed in the north in
tive song, described as fee-bee or hey the summer, migrating south in the winter in 1 2
sweetie, as well as its chicka-dee-dee large chattering flocks to forests, fields and
call (the number of dee notes increases backyards across Canada. Redpolls eat a lot of
when an alarm is being sounded). Both the seeds, especially alder and birch, and are par- 3 4
black-capped chickadee and its western tial to millet and nyjer seeds at feeders. Theyll
cousin, the chestnut-backed chickadee, take advantage of a good supply by packing
acrobatically forage for insects and seeds seed into stretchy pouches in their throats, 1. Blue jays devour tent
and are common visitors to backyard feed- carrying it off to eat later. caterpillars and other
ers. In the fall, they cache food in numer- insects.
ous hiding places, recalling the locations DARK-EYED JUNCO 2. Common redpolls
weeks later. To help these little guys get This medium-sized sparrow is commonly breed in the Arctic tundra.
through winter, put out high-fat nuts, suet seen flicking its white tail feathers as it flits 3. Dark-eyed juncos
and seeds, especially sunflower seeds. through the shrubbery. The rest of its color- scratch through leaf litter
ation, however, varies across the country, looking for seeds and
BLUE JAY from slate grey to grey-and-pink to reddish insects.
One of Canadas most recognized birds brown, with white tummies and sometimes 4. Fruit may be the cedar
(and not just to baseball fans), the blue wing bars. Juncos hop and scratch through waxwings preferred
jay is handsome, clever and highly social. the leaf litter for seeds and insects, and usual- snack, but protein-rich
The striking blue colour comes from light ly nest on or close to the ground, too, though insects also appeal to
refracted by their feathers internal struc- around houses they may choose a hanging them in the summer.
ture, not from pigments; crush a feather basket or light fixture. They adore weed and
and the colour disappears. Members of the grass seeds, and favour millet at feeders, but
crow family, blue jays occasionally prey on will happily clean up any fallen seeds below.
songbird eggs and nestlings, but their main
diet features insects (they devour tent cat- DOWNY WOODPECKER
erpillars), grains and nuts. Indeed, their Youll probably hear the downy woodpecker
fondness for acorns is credited with help- before you see it: it drums loudly on wood
ing to spread oak trees after the last gla- or metal instead of singing. And yes, it drills
cial period, according to the Cornell Lab holes in trees searching for insects or creating
of Ornithology. They will flock to feeders, a nesting cavity, but does so quite quietly. The
especially if offered cracked corn, peanuts smallest North American woodpecker, the
and sunflower seeds. black-and-white downy has the same chisel-
shaped bill for drilling, wide pelvic bones for
CEDAR WAXWING climbing and long barbed tongue for catch-
Sleek and striking, the cedar waxwing ing insects (including many pests) as its larger
sports a cape of grey and brown, a jaunty brethren. Berries, acorns and grains make up
black mask, a yellow-dipped tail and wee about a quarter of its diet, and it is common at
waxy red droplets on its wing tips. Theyre feeders, showing a fondness for black oil sun-
very social birds, seen in flocks year- flower seeds, nuts and suet.
round. They nosh on protein-rich insects
in the summer but are primarily fruit eat- EVENING GROSBEAK
ersfrom strawberries, serviceberries and A large, plump finch twice the size of a gold-
mulberries to the fruit of dogwood, moun- finch, the evening grosbeak lives up to its
tainash and cedar (hence their name) name with a prominent, cone-shaped beak
and may even become intoxicated by that turns bright green in spring, perfectly
overindulging in fermented berries. Grow matching the fresh new growth of spruce
fruiting trees and shrubs, set out chopped trees, where grosbeaks often nest. In addi-
apples, raisins and currants, and provide tion, spruce budworm larvae are among its fa-
water (all that fruit makes them thirsty). vourite foods, making it one of Canadas most
beneficial birds. Otherwise, its menu is mostly
COMMON REDPOLL fruit and seeds, particularly conifer. Feeders
These small red-capped birds are deni- full of sunflower seeds are grosbeak magnets,
zens of the Arctic tundra and can survive but be prepared for frequent refills if a gross Photos: 1. Carl Reader/Age
2. H. Duty/Blickwinkel/Age
temperatures as low as -54C, sometimes of grosbeaks arrivesone bird can eat close to 3. Jack Milchanowski/Age
tunnelling into the snow at night for in- a hundred seeds in just five minutes! 4. George Ostertag/Age
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH
Not caring which way is up, the red-
breasted nuthatch busily creeps up,
down and sideways, winkling insects
out of tree bark. The nuthatchs size be-
lies its strength: the females, with some
help from hubby, excavate holes in
trees for their nests (unlike the white-
breasted nuthatch, which uses existing
cavities). Once the nest is built, they ap- DID YOU
ply sticky conifer resin around the en-
trance, presumably to deter predators.
KNOW?
In the winter, red-breasted nuthatches
eat mostly conifer seeds, along with Bird Canada
sunflower seeds, suet and peanuts from (birdcanada.com) lists
feeders, often taking the largest seed or 426 Canadian bird
nut, then cleverly wedging it into a tree species, 16 of which
bark crevice and hammering it open. are owls. Canada is
also home to millions
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD of migrating birds that
Tiny but formidable, a male ruby- appear in the spring to
throated hummingbird weighs about nest and reproduce,
as much as 2 paper clips. Iridescent before heading south
throat flashing, he puts on amazing dive in the fall.
displays, rising 50 feet (15 m) in the air
and zooming down, then stopping on
the proverbial dime. Its no surprise
that collectively, hummingbirds are
called a shimmer, a glittering or a
hover. They relish the nectar of tubu-
lar scarlet or orange blooms, including
bee balm, trumpet vine, fuchsias and
honeysuckle, with sides of small insects
and spiders. Set out hummingbird feed-
ers filled with uncoloured sugar water,
and observe them up close before they
depart for their tropical winterlude. Photos: 1. Kenneth Whitten/Age
2. Carl Reader/Age
TOOLS
Consider dabbling with dibbers or other bulb-planting paraphernalia
to ease this annual autumn undertaking.
BY KAREN YORK
Dreaming of springtime drifts of crocuses, daffodils and tulips is one thing, planting them in the fall most modern ones are
is another. It can be a lot like work, especially in less-than-propitious weather, but there are a number short (10 to 12
of tools to make the job easier, from simple dibbers to power augers. It also helps to have two people inches/25 to 30 cm),
on the case: one making the holes, the other inserting the bulbs and replacing the soil. Whatever often with a metal
your system, the key is starting with loamy, friable soil so time spent preparing the ground will benefit sheath around the
the bulbs as well as your hands, wrists and back. Good drainage is equally important, as bulbs (with point and a curved or
the exception of Camassia) hate being waterlogged. T-shaped handle that
improves the grip.
TYPES OF PLANTING TOOLS Theyre best used for
planting small bulbs
As with most things, bance; long-handled be hard on the hands DIBBER such as crocuses, dwarf
there are pros and versions reduce and wrists. Short tools Also called a dibble, irises, grape hyacinths
cons to even bulb crouching. require crouching or this tool is basically the (Muscari spp. and cvs.)
planters. Cons: Generally kneeling, though even traditional planting and glory of the snow
Pros: Simple to use; make a hole for only with long-handled stick, a wooden stick (Chionodoxa spp. and
can offer consistent one bulb. Lightweight tools, setting the with a pointed end cvs.).
planting depth; allow planters may bend bulbs and replacing plunged into the soil to
you to tuck bulbs in heavy soil or turf. the soil demands create a planting hole. SHORT BULB
among other plants Repetitive and/or bending or kneeling. Although long-handled PLANTER (A) This pop-
with minimal distur- twisting action can models are available, ular tool looks like a tin
C D AUGER
This is like a large
corkscrew that can be
can with a handle. The spring-loaded mecha- effective for many LONG-HANDLED attached to a power
idea is that you push nism to hold then kinds of bulbs. Rather BULB PLANTER (C) drill. Most augers make
it into the soil, twist it release the soil. There than using a scooping A heavier-duty version holes three inches
half a turn and pull it are also models with action, it is wielded of the tin-can type of (8 cm) wide and up
up with a plug of soil dual handles, depth like a dagger to pierce planter, this has a long to 12 inches (30 cm)
inside it. The bulb is set markings and serrated the soil, then pulled to- handle as well as a bar deep, so are good for
into the hole and the edges to cut into the ward you to create the or treads that allow you larger bulbs. Longer
soil replaced on top. If ground more easily. hole. This saves wear to push down with your shafts are available
the plug of soil doesnt Some gardeners swear and tear on your wrist foot for more power to reduce bending.
come out easily, you by these planters; oth- and allows for holes and less bending. This tool makes short
simply move on to the ers swear at them, so it of various sizes. Good for planting in work of holes in most
next spot and push the really comes down to You can also use it lawns and heavier soils, soils, but may labour in
planter down; the plug personal choice. to make a narrow this style of planter heavy clay or spin out
will come out of the trench for multiple generally has a longer of control if it hits a rock
top. You can then use BULB-PLANTING small bulbs. Most can, or core remover, or big root. It can also
that on the previous TROWEL (B) bulb-planting trowels making it useful for chew up existing bulbs
hole and continue. A trowel featuring have depth markings, larger bulbs such as or plant roots. Make
Obviating this pro- a long, skinny blade, though they can be daffodils and tulips, sure the auger matches
cess are planters that this is probably the hard to see once the which need deeper the size and power of
feature a plunger or a most versatile planter, blade gets dirty. holes. your drill.
Come Ramble!
7210 Burritts Rapids Rd.
Merrickville, Ont.
rideauwoodlandramble.com
613-258-3797
Sources Rogers Custom
Greenhouse Mfg.
IRRESISTIBLE IRISES
PAGE 5
Botanus, B.C.; 800-672-3413; botanus.com
Florissa, wholesaler of bulbs in Canada; check
Greenhouses & Steel Art
online to find local retailers; florissa.com 519-484-1112 www.rogersgreenhouse.com
Flower Bulbs R Us, Ont.; 888-890-0936;
flowerbulbsrus.com
Veseys, P.E.I.; 800-363-7333; veseys.com
best
SPRING SPARKLERS
PAGE 31
ON THE DOUBLE
PAGE 34
The following companies carry a selection
The
of miniature daffodils and double tulips:
Botanus, B.C.; 800-672-3413; botanus.com
Florissa, wholesaler of bulbs in Canada; email
plant selection
the company to find local retailers; florissa.com
Flower Bulbs R Us, Ont.; 888-890-0936;
flowerbulbsrus.com
Florist and Garden Centre in Niagara!
Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants, B.C.;
604-270-4133; phoenixperennials.com
Veseys, P.E.I.; 800-363-7333; veseys.com Huge selection of perennials, trees and shrubs Tropical palms and plants
MORE TO LOVE ABOUT LILIES
PAGE 40
147 Main St. E., Grimsby 905 945 2219 ZZZFROHVRULVWFD
Lily Nook, Manitoba; lilynook.mb.ca
S-W Gardens, Ont.; 519-692-5580;
s-wgardens.com
Veseys, P.E.I.; 800-363-7333; veseys.com
BULB-PLANTING TOOLS
PAGE 58
Home Hardware, Ont.; 877-940-5081;
homehardware.ca
Lee Valley Tools, Ont.; 800-668-1807;
leevalley.com
Rittenhouse Tools, Ont.; 877-488-1914;
mkrittenhouse.com
40
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ABOUT LILIES
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GARDEN MAKING . 24 GREAT GUIDE 63
Nota
bene
1
3
SECRET 2. Bloodroot
(Sanguinaria canadensis)
3. Camas (Camassia spp.)
LIFE OF
BULBS
What you see It was so pure, so sleek, so innocent of face, called droppers, which spread out, then bur-
above ground yet bleeding at a touch, like a murdered man in row deep into the soil, producing new corms
the Blood Ordeal. So wrote Alice Morse Earle at their tips. Slowly, very slowly, large colo-
is only half the in 1901 about one of our loveliest native bulbs, nies can formunless the corms are dug up by
story, especially bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), a spring bears looking for a snack. Though they can also
when it comes ephemeral from the eastern woodlands. be human fare, I suggest taking a sandwich and
to native bulbs. Bloodroots chaste white flowers belie its simply admiring the nodding yellow, white or
rather gory name, derived from the fact that its pink blooms.
BY KAREN YORK rhizomes and roots bleed a scarlet juice that Then theres camas (Camassia spp.), whose
stains so indelibly it makes an ideal dye, as First luminous blue spires prompted Captain Lewis
Nations people discovered. An early bloomer, (of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition) to
bloodroot cant always rely on insects for polli- write that camas meadows abloom resembled
nation (so it self-pollinates), but cannily enlists lakes of fine clear water. First Nations people
ants to carry off and disperse its seeds. were more focused on the bulbs, which were a
Ants also assist the 20 or so species of Erythro- food stapleboiled, roasted, steamed or baked,
nium, which rival a con artist for aliases: trout becoming ever tastier as the starch turned to
lily and fawn lily (referring to those with mot- sugars. There was one unfortunate side effect,
tled leaves), avalanche or glacier lily (montane though, if they were eaten raw or partially
species that bloom as the snow melts), adders cooked. As Clark dutifully noted, such a feast
tongue (the shape of the flowering shoot) and filled us so full of wind that we were scercely
dogs tooth violet (for the pointy white corm). [sic] able to Breathe all night. So think twice
Young corms produce fine white threads before trying this at home!
64 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 1. Judy White; 2. Graham Rice/gardenphoto.com; 3. VisionsBotanical/Age
SHES INTO
GOURMET.
HES INTO
GRANOLA.
MADE IN USA
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