September Speaker FH Garden Club
Daniel Simpson – Pamlico Extension
Topic – Herbaceous Ornamentals
The Garden Club’s first speaker of the year did a wonderful job getting us excited about planting BULBS! Here are a few highlights from Daniel’s presentation…
When it comes to planting bulbs, stop and consider what it is you are hoping to accomplish. Use these tips and resources to help your gardening be successful!
- Know your Zone – We are Zone 8
- Plant bulbs in mass for optimum attention
- Mix colors and species
- Consider heights: tallest in back and work your way forward.
- Use sweeping lines when planting beds, easier to mow around.
- Think about your soil and water table, you may need to raise beds – consider compost.
- Be Mindful
- Annuals, perennials, pollinators OH MY!
- Are my choices pest resistant?
- When do I want the color to be most prevalent?
- Do I want to grow in beds, containers, or baskets? (Important if you are trying to grow bulbs that may not be easy to grow in our Zone.)
- Purchase bulbs that are firm to touch and in airy packaging. If potted: healthy leaves, white roots, no signs of insects, and skip the bargain bins.
- Basic Needs for most Bulbs
- Good drainage
- Full sun
- Plant for your site: cool/warm, wet/dry
- Maintenance: weeding, water, fertilizer, and pest control
- If using mulch, 2 inches deep at most.
- Utilize Resources
- Books: Extension Gardener Handbook (found online) and Plant Propagation
- NCSU Plant Toolbox (data base of thousands of plants) very easy to use. Google site and type in the search box: bulbs
- JC Raulston Arboretum Trials: Google site and search the bulb of interest.
- Information packets were provided, we will bring the leftovers to the Oct. meeting.
- Your neighbors and of course your Garden Club friends!
- Thank you to Daniel, who graciously offered to answer any individual questions. Just give him a call at the Pamlico Extension Office https://pamlico.ces.ncsu.edu/