Marde’s Blog
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Naturalizing with Giant Scilla! Largest Bulb in the World?
The Giant Scilla may be the largest bulb in the world. Its massive bulb grows as big as a soccer ball, dwarfing most other bulbs. In fall, the Giant Scilla produces lush, large leaves that cover the ground beautifully. However, these leaves die back completely when...
Growing and Harvesting Saffron from Crocus Sativus
Most saffron require cold to bloom prolifically and beautifully each year. But there is another crocus which has been around for a long time and which has much different needs and conditions to produce both beauty and a useful product - that expensive spice, saffron....
Replanting the Peony Divisions in Warm Climates
Here is a technique in replanting peonies. Once the peony have been divided, they can be replanted. I usually plant them about one foot apart. You might like to have them farther apart, scattered among roses or in perennial beds. We dig down about one foot and mix in...
Dividing Peonies in California
In California, the tools for dividing peonies are not as heavy duty as those for hacking apart small tree trunk sized peony roots! Earlier in my blog is a picture of tools used in colder climates. Here some of the clumps grow to be the size of coffee tables. Those...
Cheap Tulips, Cheap Daffodils, Cheap Bulbs
Buying cheap bulbs will lead to disappointing results. One year I took pictures of all of my daffodil bulbs against a ruler to show the size. Bulbs differ in size according to variety, but one rule seems to hold true. Plant a smaller bulb rather than the largest that...
10 Tips for Planting and Growing Tulips
Before any preparation begins when growing tulips, the bulbs most be refrigerated for 6-8 weeks in warm climates. The temperature should be around 45 degrees. Take care not to place any apples near them in the cooler. Do not freeze them! Here Are 10 Steps To Follow...
10 Tips for Planting and Growing Peonies
One Select the peonies suitable for your areas. Northern climates have the full spectrum to chose from! Warm weather climates like California and the southern states need to chose single, Japanese singles, semi-double or early doubles so that they will open before it...
10 Tips for Planting and Growing Daffodils
One Dig down about 9 inches to prepare the soil for growing daffodils. Make each hole large enough for 5-7 bulbs, depending on your design. Avoid straight lines unless you want a more formal look. I stagger my daffodils on hillsides to create a natural effect. Two Add...
Daffodils Come in Many Shapes and Sizes!
Daffodils come in a remarkable variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Their bloom times vary depending on the climate. In warmer regions, daffodils bloom in a compressed season. In colder climates, the season stretches out, with blooms appearing early, mid, and late in...
Types of Herbaceous Peonies
There are four types of Herbaceous Peonies and they vary by shape. The progression towards fullness involves the stamens, anthers, carpels increasing in size from a single row of petals to complete fullness. The single peony has a row of petals surrounding a center...
How to Plant Peonies in California and other Warm Climates
Peonies are hardy, long-lasting plants that can bloom for decades or even a lifetime. To help them thrive, I dig the soil up to a depth of 18 inches whenever possible. Then, I enrich the soil with compost and peat moss, blending it thoroughly with the native soil for...
Peony Bloom in April-May in California
Peonies can be an unusual but valuable addition to our gardens in California. There is a general timing gap between daffodil and tulip blooming which take place in February and March The month of April can be rather unexciting and rather uneventful. Roses come into...