Marde’s Blog
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Heirloom Freesias, Fragrant, Multiply by Bulb Division and Seed
Heirloom freesias are beautiful, fragrant, and multiply quickly from both seed and bulbs. They bloom reliably each year and often return when the rains begin, even after being left in pots. Their hardiness and strong fragrance make them a delightful addition to any...
Daffodil Walk to White Daffodil Fields – Thalia and Ice Follies
The daffodil walk to the Thalia and Ice Follies fields is a special spring event. As you walk, you'll notice that the Ice Follies are finished blooming. Their bright yellow petals have faded, leaving the stage for the next bloomers. Now, the Thalia daffodils are...
Video of the Mixed Daffodil Hillside
Down the short staircase to the Platform and the Mixed Daffodil Hillside: The walk to the mixed Daffodil Hillside is a highlight of spring. As you approach, you'll notice the shift in blooms with white and vibrant yellow. The Ice Follies daffodils have finished their...
Tuberous Gloriosa Rothschildiana – Perennial Vine
Gloriosa Rothschildiana Superba, a beautiful perennial vine from Africa, is easy to grow and will multiply quickly. The striking crimson red flowers with a yellow base and slight yellow edges make it an eye-catching climber. It grows 5-6 feet tall and produces many...
Peonies are still available – Ice Follies Daffodil Size Illustrated Below
This photograph of Ice Follies bulbs clearly shows their impressive size. Each bulb has four smaller bulbs attached at the base, and these are often referred to as "Mother Bulbs." These bulbs are special because they produce at least four daffodil flowers each, which...
Preparing the Soil for Planting Peonies and Bulbs
Preparing the soil for planting peonies and bulbs is important. For peonies and tulips the soil pH should be 6.0 to 7.0 or neutral. Heavy clay soils are not desirable, so poor soils should be amended with organic matter like compost, peat moss or your own compost pile...
Tulips: What to Buy, When and How to Plant
My listing of tulips available on my price list, are ones that I have grown for many years and are my favorites. These are among the most beautiful and reliable of those available that I can still obtain. I have grown many which are not on that list. There have been...
How Deep Should Bulbs be Planted? Tulips, Daffodils, Small Bulbs
How deep should each group be planted? Plant bulbs at the right depth. A general rule is to plant them three times their height from base to shoulder. There are some exceptions, which I’ll explain later. Large #1 size daffodil bulbs are the biggest available....
When to Order Bulbs, Corms, Daffodils, Crocus Sativa, Peonies
Bulbs can be ordered at any time during the year. But delivery is usually from September through January for spring flowering blooms. Spring crocus (which needs pre-chilling) and fall blooming, Crocus Sativus (which does not require chilling) are available. Crocus...
Bulbs, Corms, Roots – Tulips, Daffodils, Anemones and Peonies
What is the difference? Everyone knows the popular spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils, which are true bulbs. However, corms are equally important in the garden and bring their own unique blooms. Corms include plants like anemones, ranunculus, gladiolus, and...
How to Store Bulbs – Tulips, Daffodils, Dark, Dry, Cool Conditions
How do you store bulbs successfully? Bulbs are dormant when they have died back to nothing more than the brown, dried, fat root. That root has all of the nutrition that it will need for the next year's successful bloom. It is important to keep bulbs cool and in dark,...
Fighting Gophers – But Daffodils Have no Fear of Them!
Fighting gophers on my property not a problem because most of my plantings are not tasty to the gophers. I still have a big population of them. I think the family of owls that I discovered this summer has helped to reduce their numbers. Just yesterday though, I...