Marde’s Blog
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Planting, Growing and Caring for Peonies in California
Selecting Sites for Peonies One of the most important thing about planting peonies is that need to be sited in well draining soil. They do not like to have wet feet. They need to be planted in filtered shade in warm climates, if possible, as they will not bloom in...
Bulbs, Corms and Peonies in Bloom May 7, 2012
Some new peonies are blooming in this first week of May. I've seen the first blooms of Festiva Maxima, Mrs. F.D. Roosevelt is in bud, Henry Bockstoce, Gay Paree, Krinkled White, Charlie's White, Mons. Jules Elie, Mr. Ed, other white variations of peonies are in bloom....
Peonies in Bloom! April 30, 2012
I recently shared photos of the first peonies to bloom this year. They are still blooming beautifully, along with several other varieties. Red Charm, with its deep red, full blossoms, continues to impress. Doreen, a lovely pink variety, is also putting on a stunning...
Pruning Olive Trees and Making them Produce Fruit
Pruning Olive Trees subject is a little off the topic of flowering bulbs but olives have taken a lot of my attention lately. Adding the "Making them Produce Fruit" in my title is a little misleading. I have include some steps at the end for you to review. I planted...
The Earliest Peonies are Blooming!
In mid-April, as the last of the late tulips finished, the earliest peonies began to bloom in my garden. The very earliest are the coral varieties, Coral Charm and Coral Supreme, both semi-doubles. In addition, I found a light pink and white rogue in a hedge which I...
Blooming Late Tulips
These tulips below are tall and blooming late. There is another late parrot tulip, Blue Parrot, to add to this group but it was not planted this year. Temple of Beauty Tulip Fantasy Parrot Tulip Sorbet Tulip Single - Late Variety Blushing Beauty Tulip - Tall, Single...
Lily of the Valley – Convallaria Majalis – Naturalizing
Lily of the Valley is one of the most fragrant and memorable of spring flowers. You can see people carrying bouquets of them in Europe on May 1st to celebrate the season. brides also carry them in their bouquets, and they are for sale in florist's shops for very high...
Muscari or Grape Hyacinth, a Bulb that Naturalizes
Muscari or Grape Hyacinth, is a small bulb but perennial and suitable for planting around shrubs, roses, peonies and in other ground cover situation. It is also a beautiful addition to pots of bulbs or with plants that will not obscure it. Naturalizes and self sows...
Freesias – Heirloom and Hybrids
Freesias! How we love them and their rich fragrance. The colors of the hybrids cover the spectrum and come in single and double forms. The Heirloom freesias that I have planted in large pots have been in bloom now for 3 weeks and are still going strong. They are a...
Giant Scilla
The Giant Scilla is the largest bulb in the world. Its lush leaves appear in the fall and die back during winter. In the spring, tall stems emerge, reaching up to five feet, resembling the foxtail lily. A smaller version, the Delicate Scilla, grows to three feet. Both...
Cheap Daffodils
IF YOU WANT CHEAP DAFFODILS, WAIT UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR and buy from me! I photographed all of my daffodil bulbs one year, placing them against a ruler to show their size. Bulb sizes vary by variety, but one rule is clear: if you plant a smaller bulb than the...
The Single Blues Anemones are my Favorite, Mr. Fokker
Mr. Fokker Single Blue Anemones are shown here as they begin to open. This stage is perfect for cutting them to bring indoors. When you place them in vases, ensure they have plenty of water to keep them fresh. The vibrant blue blooms of the Mr. Fokker anemone are just...