Allium Summer Bulbs courtesy of www.whiteflowerfarms.com
By Susan L. Randstrom
The Beatles wrote, ‘LOVE is all you need,’ but in these stomach-dropping times of unemployment, underemployment and other stresses, we need HOPE, too.
For a wonderful stress-reliever and agent of hope, try planting a bulb. It is the ultimate symbol of hope, wrapped into a papery brown package. It is hard to imagine now that this unassuming messenger of DNA will turn into pinwheels of color in flower form.
A short and simple recipe for hope is to and plant a whole bunch of your favorite bulbs this fall. Don’t skimp. (That would be like someone offering you one M&M.) The process of planting and believing that these little brown nuggets will turn into luscious yellows, crimsons and deep purples will be a hope generator now and next spring when you’ll be rewarded double-fold.
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Woodstock this year, ‘Flower Power’ takes on a new meaning.
FIVE STAR BULBS
Allium ‘Globemaster’ — huge purple spheres dance on 36-inch stems that bloom in June. A real show-stopper!
Tulip ‘Beauty of Spring’ — Single, 22-inch tall Darwin tulip with greenish-yellow petals that mature to pale cream with wide, reddish-orange bands. Blooms in May. SO cheery!
Tulips photo by Susan L. Randstrom
Narcissus ‘Popeye’— Double 16-inch tall Daffodil; snow-white petals surround a cluster of double, yellow petals in the center. Blooms in April. The name alone makes you laugh.
Anemone ‘Blanda’ — blue or white daisy-like flowers that are very low-growing. Bloom in mid-May and look great planted under May-blooming daffodils or tulips. Splurge and plant lots!
Anemone photo by Susan L. Randstrom
PLACES TO BUY BULBS
Bulb Bazaar and Harvest Festival at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, October 3-4. http://www.chicago-botanic.org/
For a fun way to learn about bulbs, stop by the Regenstein Center and shop at the Bulb Bazaar for spring blooming bulbs that are planted in the fall. This annual sale features more than 200 varieties of daffodils, tulips, alliums and other specialty bulbs, and a large selection of bulbs for indoor forcing.
Garden horticulturists and staff offer practical tips and demonstrations on bulb selection and planting. Public hours are from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 3-4. A catalog with detailed information on bulbs is available at the sale and can be obtained online in September at www.chicagobotanic.org/bulb.
SHOP ONLINE
White Flower Farm
Brent and Becky’s Bulbs catalog
McClure & Zimmerman catalog
Susan L. Randstrom is the former gardening columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times and continues to spread the good news about all things botanical in other venues. Contact her at slrandstrom@earthlink.net for questions and comments.
