Thursday, February 22, 2007

An Eye To Fall

I was out in the garden with my camera yesterday, looking at the early spring garden with an eye to fall. Why was I thinking of crisp October days when we are still shuffling around in the snow on the doostep, waiting for spring to answer the door? Well, it's about bulbs... specifically small bulbs like crocuses that like early spring sunshine, then a nice, well-drained spot to snooze away the hot summer in peace. When the snow cover is just starting to melt is the perfect time to look for such spots: south-facing, with early warm sun and snow melt, close to a shrub or tree, where it will later be too dry and shady for most perennials to be happy... these are therefore little "holes" in the garden, perfect to fill with small bulbs this fall, if you can remember where they are; so I walk around the garden snapping pictures, and then I can find them this fall. By yesterday afternoon, much of the snow cover had melted, but I'm set: later I'll check the soil in these areas, and maybe add a little compost and sand for good drainage. Stop back next spring and see the results. Posted by Picasa

Comments:
I know you were telling about bulbs, but all I could think of was how I would love that leaf litter in my yard! I betcha your bulbs would be very happy there!
 
I know you were telling about bulbs, but all I could think of was how I would love that leaf litter in my yard! I betcha your bulbs would be very happy there!
 
Look at that snow melt! Spring is on its way...I can feel it!!!
 
Summer too! I have a shade "problem" in my yard so as the snow melts, I can tell which are the sunniest parts of the yard and which the shadiest so I can plan my beds accordingly.
 
Sissy... unfortunately, the original black soil either washed away from the hillside I call a garden, or it got buried by fill. I'm slowly improving the soil.
Don
 
Linnie... well, blizzard warnings are up for this weekend... this IS Iowa.
Don
 
O.R.; you're right. There is a lot to be learned in the off-season in the garden.
Don
 
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