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 Editors
note

A LAYERED
APPROACH TO
GARDENING
AS A GARDENER IN THE 21ST CENTURY, I STRIVE TO DO THE RIGHT THINGplant for
pollinators, grow a few vegetables, feed perennials and woody plants organically (okay, I
admit to using synthetic fertilizers in containers), but I realized how much more I could do
after I heard Claudia West, co-author of Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant
Communities for Resilient Landscapes, at AmericanHorts Cultivate16. Her book has been
reviewed, talked about and generally praised by many, and I felt fortunate to experience
her passion and practical approach first-hand.

We cant restore the wilderness, West Her three-layered approach starts by

says, but we can still garden with a purpose:
to increase biodiversity and attract a larger
cross-section of birds, pollinators, insects
and other wildlife. The more diverse your
landscape, the more beneficial it is to the
environment, she says.
Wests approach isnt ecological restora-
tion, but rather a hybrid of horticulture and
ecology. Although a strong proponent of
native plants, she doesnt define ecological
as only natives; she urges using resilient
plants adapted to the habitat in which we
garden.
Best of all, her approach offers a way to
garden ecologically in traditional garden
settings by observing the density and
diversity of a weed patch thriving along a
road or the majesty of a sweeping meadow,
and substituting plants that may be more
appropriate to our urban or suburban
setting, layering them in a way that mimics
nature.
covering the soil in planting areas with
ground-hugging plants (not necessarily
traditional groundcovers, and certainly not
invasive groundcovers). This lower layer
nestles at the feet of taller specimens in the
second layer, the perennials and grasses
that wax and wane over the seasons. The
ground huggers provide a green, living Beckie Fox,
mulch to moderate soil temperature, Editor-in-Chief
prevent erosion and preserve moisture,
and also help support the taller plants by
cozying up against their base. Trees and
shrubs provide the permanent third layer.
Plants are like people, West says. They
dont like living in solitary confinement
grow them in communities. I like that
metaphor, and I like the idea of more plants.
I also like the idea of a living, permanent
mulch, and not needing to haul bags of
shredded bark to cover bare soil around
plants growing in isolation. Our garden
next year is going to get a whole lot cozier.

Photos, top to bottom: Laura Berman; Donna Griffith GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 1
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 Inspiring & informing home gardeners

BULBS
& BLOOMS

27
GARDENMAKING.COM

CONTENTS
1 Editors Letter
5 Notebook
New dwarf irises; sowing seeds for perennials;
make summer blooms last; 5 autumn projects
14 Ultimate Bulb Guide
How to choose and plant spring bulbs
18 Bulb FAQs
Advice on how to keep your bulbs healthy
and happy
20 Beloved Bulbs
Gardeners share their top picks
24 Maritime Mosaic
Diverse plantings star in a garden near Halifax
31 Dwarf Daffodils
Add spring sparkle with these tiny gems
34 Double Tulips
Twice the petals and twice as beautiful
40 More to Love About Lilies
New looks in the world of lilies
46 Autumn Epilogue
Fall-blooming perennials to extend the season
Cover, Asiatic lily: 52 Tweet Success
Marg Cousens/Gap How to attract more birds to your garden
This page, Japanese
primrose: Izzy Dempsey 58 Bulb-Planting Tools
for Garden Making Tools and tips to help ease this annual task
61 Sources
62 You Asked Us
64 Nota Bene: Native bulbs
Alan Titchmarsh
Inspiring & informing home gardeners

27
GARDENMAKING.COM

BULBS &
BLOOMS
Editor-in-Chief BECKIE FOX
Design Director GARY HALL

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Deanna Dority, Heather White

WATCH GARDENING PROGRAMS
CONTRIBUTORS
Laura Berman, Izzy Dempsey, Lorraine Hunter, Stephen
Westcott-Gratton, Karen York, Colleen Zacharias
PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Brooke Jones
HORTICULTURAL CONSULTANT Judith Adam
PRODUCTION CONSULTANT Maria Musikka

Publisher MICHAEL FOX

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 NOTE
BOOK

Irresistible irises
Toronto plant hybridizer Alan McMurtrie has created
something truly magical for iris lovers: a stunning array
of differently coloured Iris reticulata, one of the first bulbs
to bloom in spring. And its taken him only three decades.
Thanks to McMurtries perseverance, added to this iris
palette that once included only shades of blue and purple
are the new colours of green, brown and orange, as well
as new combinations of white, yellow and wine red. j

Older spring
irises, such as
this Iris reticulata
Harmony, remain
popular, but newer
hybrids offer even
more dramatic
colouring.

Photo: Brian Durell/Age GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 5

 NOTE
BOOK
NEW
IRISES
TO TRY
CONTINUED
Splish Splash, a new hybrid from Alan McMurtrie.
Of the nearly 30 featured at this
years Royal Horticultural Society
show in London, England, seven
of McMurtries marvels are now
available from mail-order nurser-
ies in Canada, including Botanus
in Langley, B.C., and Veseys in
York, P.E.I.:
Eye Catcher, snow white
with navy markings and
yellow ridges
Scent Sational, a fragrant
grape purple
Sea Breeze, bright blue
flowers with contrasting
white tips
Splish Splash, combination
of blue, white and yellow
Spot On, rich purple with
dark purple-tipped white falls
that are dotted with yellow
Sunshine, bright yellow
Top: Scent Sational, White Caucasus, white
a fragrant-grape flowers with a bright
purple hybrid. yellow stripe
Bottom: Limited Alans hybrids are doing
quantities of Orange extremely well, says Wendy
Glow are expected Leroux, customer care manager
for next year. for Botanus. People love them
because they are so pretty and
colourful, and the fact that they
come from a Canadian hybrid-
6 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS
izer is a huge bonus. They love
that, too.
The route to success, how-
ever, hasnt been easy for the re-
tired electrical engineer turned
plant sleuth and breeder. Thirty
years ago, I went plant col-
lecting in Turkey with a goal of
finding a diploid form of yellow
Iris danfordiae for use in hybrid-
izing, McMurtrie explains. He
found the danfordiae he wanted
and set about crossing it with
blue and purple I. reticulata and
other species, spending hours
every spring dabbling with the
pollen of different varieties in his
own garden. Creating a white
flower in 1999, he realized he
was making a breakthrough. It
has taken more than 15 years to
multiply one bulb into more than
100,000, he says. with dark brown, which will be
McMurtrie has worked
with growers in Holland and
promoters in England, as well
as wholesalers and retailers at
home and abroad, interested in
carrying his hybrids, and now,
happily, all his hard work is start-
ing to pay off.
Why do these dwarf irises,
which grow just four to six
inches (10 to 15 cm) tall on
four-sided stems, fascinate
McMurtrie? Theyre one of
the first flowers to appear each
year, he says. Here in Toronto,
they bloom right as the snow is
disappearingperfect for help-
ing to get rid of the winter blahs.
Some years they seem to come
up right through the snow.
His introductions have been a
hit in England, Scotland and the
Netherlands. The Garden, the
prestigious RHS magazine, de-
scribed them as dramatic, and
almost like something from a
dark fairy tale. More of McMur-
tries new irises are expected
to be available in Canada next
year, including Orange Glow,
with bright orange falls marked
in limited quantities.
McMurtrie is dedicated to
producing varieties well suited
to Canadian growing conditions.
In a sense, all Im doing is giving
Mother Nature a helping hand.
Lorraine Hunter
FOR SOURCES, SEE PAGE 61.
Photos: Reticulatas.com
 Celebrate
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Cutting Tools

SOWING
SAVED
PERENNIAL
SEED
In late summer, collect seed from your
favourite perennials and plant them
in containers using a soilless mix.
Columbines (Aquilegia spp. and cvs.),
bellflowers (Campanula spp. and cvs.),
tickseed (Coreopsis spp. and cvs.), and
speedwell (Veronica spp. and cvs.) are
relatively easy to grow from saved seed.
Ensure theyre in contact with the
soil, but dont bury themtry to
mimic conditions they would have
encountered if they had fallen from
the plant onto the ground. Set the
containers on a tray and cover with a
piece of screening for protection, then
place outdoors under shrubbery.
Winter snow will bury the tray and
cold temperatures will work on the
seeds until spring, when hopefully youll
find them germinating. By midsummer,
you should have small plants to set in the
garden. Judith Adam

Professional Quality for Life

www.dramm.com
Available at your Local Independent
Garden Center or Online Retailer Diagrams: Freepic.com
A SPECIAL FEATURE FROM THE CANADIAN GARDEN COUNCIL
Gardens of Canada
This fall, make time to visit one of these spectacular gardens
THE BUTCHART GARDENS
One of the finest floral display gardens in the world heralds spring with
hundreds of thousands of flowering bulbs. Summer at The Gardens
starts with spectacular roses and followed in late summer by stunning
perennial borders. Japanese maples turn to russet, gold, and red in
autumn. July and August include Summer Entertainment in the
evenings, Boat Tours, Night Illumination, and Firework Saturdays. The
Magic of Christmas features carolers, festive brass, and outdoor skating.
800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J8
TEL 866 652-4422 WEB butchartgardens.com
ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS (RBG)
The largest botanical garden in Canada, Royal Botanical Gardens
(RBG) prides itself on its mandate to bring together people, plants
and nature. As a National Historic Site and UNESCO World Biosphere
Reserve, RBG protects and stewards over 400 acres of display gardens
and 2300 acres of environmentally sensitive lands. RBG is home to five
major garden areas, including the David Braley and Nancy Gordon
Rock Garden, newly opened following a $20 million rejuvenation.
680 Plains Road West, Burlington, Ontario L7T 4H4
TEL 905 527-1158 WEB www.rbg.ca
TOWER HILL HERITAGE GARDEN
A public display garden unique to Northern Ontario, the Garden is nestled
amongst the trees atop a hill overlooking Parry Sound on Georgian Bay.
Constructed by the Ontario Forestry Branch in the late 1920s, the
municipally owned garden features a network of original flagstone paths
connecting rock gardens, goldfish pond and raised pedestal sundial, all
enhanced by flowering shrubs and perennials. The view from the top of
the Tower is worth the climb, especially during autumns blaze of colour.
17 George Street, Parry Sound, ON P2A 2X4
WEB towerhillheritagegarden.org
Canadian
Garden
Council
gardencouncil.ca
Conseil
canadien
du jardin
DEVONIAN BOTANIC GARDEN
The University of Alberta Devonian Botanic Garden is a stunning
240-acre property located minutes from Edmonton, with cultivated
gardens, indoor showhouses, and extensive natural areas. Popular
highlights of this Garden in a Forest include the Kurimoto Japanese
Garden; exotic butterflies in the Tropical Showhouse; large alpine, herb,
rose, peony, lilac, and lily collections. The Garden is an award-winning
visitor attraction, open daily May 1 through Thanksgiving.
51227 AB-60, Parkland County, AB T7Y 1C5
TEL 780 987-3054 WEB devonian.ualberta.ca
TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Gardens designed to educate and inspire, spanning four acres within
Torontos Don Valley Ravine. Free Admission. Indoor and outdoor learning
experiences available for all ages including courses, events and nature
camps. During the summer enjoy dining at the garden caf, a Thursday
organic farmers market, guided tours and an outdoor summer music
series. The LEED Certified Building houses a truly unique garden shop
and horticultural library and is available for social and corporate rentals.
777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario
TEL 416 397-1341 WEB torontobotanicalgarden.ca
WHISTLING GARDENS BOTANICAL GARDENS
From corn fieldNature lovers can explore 20+ acres of our privately
owned botanical gardens featuring the worlds largest public conifer
collection offering over 2,500 rare and unusual varieties. Home to North
Americas largest public peony collection reveals 900+ varieties on
display, 4 km of accessible walking trails, musical fountain show, exotic
bird aviary, prescheduled group tours and more! Admission rates apply.
Visit our Garden Centre, where its free to shop for rare garden treasures.
698 Concession 3 RR #1 Wilsonville ON N0E 1Z0
TEL 519 443-5773 WEB whistlinggardens.ca
 NOTE LOOK FOR
BOOK j Happy Returns,
yellow

j Rosy Returns,
pink

DEPEND ON j Just Plum

Happy,

DAYLILIES purple/pink
bicolour

j Apricot
Sparkles,
Everblooming dwarf daylilies iridescent apricot
(Hemerocallis cvs.) are energetic,
irrepressible and eager to bloom. j Stella de Oro,
Theyll keep opening quantities of gold
flowers from early summer right up to
frost. Their flowers come in brilliant j Black-eyed
colours to complement the autumn Stella,
season. Plants are 18 to 36 inches (45 gold with
to 90 cm) tall, perfect for tucking into burgundy eye
corners (and frost-proof containers) Stella de Oro
throughout the garden. J. A.

HOW TO MAKE
SUMMER FLOWERS
LAST UNTIL FALL
Perennials with long flowering seasons, such as purple coneflower
(Echinacea purpurea), blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora) and summer
phlox (Phlox paniculata), can bloom deeper into autumn when deadheaded
frequently and pinched. Monitor flowers every other day and remove
blooms that are beginning to fade before theyre actually finished. (Plants
carrying dead flowers have already begun to form seeds and have shut
down bud production.) This will prevent the initiation of seed formation,
and the plants will put out more flower buds. Keep the plants well watered
and continue deadheading.
Bushy plants such as chrysanthemums, yarrows (Achillea spp. and cvs.),
agastaches and asters benefit from pinching their terminal flower spikes in
midsummer and again in late summer. This will delay their bloom and cause
them to initiate flower buds from side shoots, requiring time that pushes
their display into autumn. Dont forget about summer annuals such as spike
Blanket flower celosia, cosmos and cleome. Pinching off their top flowers will also cause
side shoots to bloom later in autumn. J. A.

10 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photos: Laura Berman (2)

 Color
Texture
Style

Home or Office Patio or Terrace In the Garden

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We would love to have you come visit us!
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906 Hwy. # 20 W., Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 Wholesale/Retail Growers shipping coast to coast www.succulents.ca
Phone: (905) 892-4947 www.floraldimensions.com OR CALL 905 892 4947
 NOTE
COME AND BOOK
EXPLORE
A nursery for avid and
new gardeners

Specializing in Dwarf
TASKS FOR THE
& Unusual Evergreens,
Japanese Maples,
Rhododendrons, Bamboos
AUTUMN GARDEN

Take advantage of Move and divide

the cooler weather
fall brings and set
aside time for a few
important garden
perennial plants
Spring-blooming perennials are good
candidates for lifting, dividing into sections and
moving to new locations in the garden. The
cool temperatures mean less stress to foliage or
shock to root systems. If their roots are disturbed
/HQWHQ5RVH+HOOHERUXV3HSSHUPLQW5XIHV tasks before winter
arrives. Here are
five projects to
contemplate this
autumn.
in the move, it may be best to cut back the
foliage to four to six inches (10 to 15 cm). Every
plant division needs a few trowels of compost
and a drink of water to settle into its new
accommodations.
Move woody plants
Small trees and shrubs can be moved with ease
late in the season, just before hard ground frost
sets in. Pre-digging a hole in October saves
some time when actually moving a woody plant
in late November.
As woody plants enter dormancy and begin
to lose their leaves, their root systems are less
subject to shock during the jostling and
:LWFK+D]HO+DPDPHOLV[LQWHUPHGLD-HOHQD
heaving necessary to extricate them. Cold
weather makes them dozy and theyll fit right
into a new hole without barely noticing it. Give
A Gallery of Rare & Unusual
them a bucket or two of compost in the backfill
Trees, Shrubs & Perennials
soil, firm them into the hole with your hands (not
Large array of plants for your feet) and offer them a long drink of water.
your landscape needs Two exceptions to fall moving are birch and
magnolia trees, both of which should only be
Many Specimen Plants moved in early spring.

Unfortunately, weeds like

VINELAND cooler temperatures, too
NURSERIES The most important time to Make the most of your efforts by thoroughly
Over 30 years of plant expertise feed your lawn is in the fall. clearing weeds from one planting area at a time.
Look for a formulation close Youll be glad you made time for weeding this
to 12-3-8. fall when next spring arrives.
4540 Martin Rd., Beamsville, ON
905-562-4836

www.vinelandnurseries.com 12 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photo: Thomas Baker/Age

Fall is an ideal time to lift and divide perennials. Add a few trowels of compost to new holes
and water in transplanted divisions.

Feed your lawn in October with a wrung-out sponge. Plants

autumn turfgrass fertilizer
This autumn feeding is the most important
of the whole year, and the energy will be
absorbed into grass plant crowns and saved
for spring.
Adequate moisture helps plants
perform better in autumn and
improves winter hardiness
Monitor soil moisture by digging a six-inch
(15-cm) hole and feeling the soil at the
bottom. It should feel like the moisture in
wilting or prematurely dropping
their leaves in a dry period are
desperate for water; give them a
long drink from a trickling hose.
If groundcovers are wilting, give
them a long sprinkler session in
early morning.
Deciduous shrubs and trees
with colourful foliage will
hold their leaves longer if well
watered. Be sure their soil is
consistently moist, and provide
irrigation if theres no significant
rainfall. J. A.

Fall is a good time to plant new trees

Growing and shrubs, because the days are cooler.
tip However, make sure you get them into
the ground six weeks before frost.

Photo: Richard Bloom/Gap GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 13

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLANTING

SPRING
BULBS
Extend the seasonal show of colourful blooms by choosing bulbs
that flower from early to late spring.
BY BECKIE FOX

This 10-page bulb guide from Garden Making will help you select spring-blooming bulbs and choose
the optimal planting sites for them this fall. The following charts divide the season into three blooming
schedules: early, mid- and late spring. With this resource in hand, youll be on your way to creating a
beautiful spring garden with colourful bulbs in bloom for several months.
Following the bulb charts are answers to questions we receive about how to keep the bulbs in our
gardens healthy and happy. And if youre looking for even more planting ideas, read suggestions from
well-known gardeners we canvassed about their favourites on pages 20 to 23.

USES LEGEND: Definitions: Corona The trumpet, or cup,

Bulb Overlapping scales, each capable
B = beds and borders of producing a leaf, attached to a basal
C = good cut flower plate from which roots grow. Flower buds
F = some varieties for the next growth cycle are encased
are fragrant in the bulbs centre.
N = good for Corm Enlarged, solid stem base
naturalizing with a growth bud at the top and
P = suitable for pots a basal plate on the bottom.
on a daffodil flower.
Perennialize Bulbs that bloom
reliably for several years.
Perianth The segments, or petals,
surrounding the corona on a daffodil flower.
Tuber Thickened piece of underground stem;
growth buds can appear on the top, bottom
or sides, depending on the type of plant.
 Early spring | The first bulbs to bloom, sometimes braving a thin coat of ice and snow.

BULB COLOURS HEIGHT ZONE LIGHT USES NOTES

Windflower Pink, blue, 6 in 4 Sun B, Technically tubers, not bulbs.

(Anemone blanda) white (15 cm) N, P Dont worry about which side
is up when planting
Glory of the snow Blue, white 4 in 3 Part B, N Vigorous spreader
(Chionodoxa luciliae) (10 cm) shade
Snow crocus Orange, yel- 4 in 3 Sun B, N Technically a corm.
(Crocus chrysanthus) low, purple, (10 cm) Try planting in turfgrass
lilac, white
Dutch crocus Yellow, purple, 6 in 3 Sun B, N Technically a corm
(C. vernus) lilac, white (15 cm)
Winter aconite Yellow 4 in 4 Sun, part B, N Technically a tuber; vigorous
(Eranthis hyemalis) (10 cm) shade spreader
Snowdrops White 4 in 3 Sun, part B, N Usually the first bulbs to bloom.
(Galanthus spp. and cvs.) (10 cm) shade Avid collectors, called galantho-
philes, seek out doubles, and
blooms with green markings
Iris reticulata Blue, yellow, 6 in 5 Sun, part B, N Deep planting (4 in/10 cm) helps
purple, lilac, (15 cm) shade prevent bulbs from splitting
white
Dwarf, trumpet daffodils Yellow, white 10 to 20 in 3 Sun, part B, F, Unpalatable to most critters
(Narcissus spp. and cvs.) (25 to shade N, P
50 cm)
Striped squill White 6 in 3 Sun, part B Flowers have thin, blue stripes
(Puschkinia scilloides) (15 cm) shade
Siberian squill Blue, white 6 in 3 Sun, part B, N Vigorous spreader; tolerates
(Scilla siberica) (15 cm) shade heavy soil
Botanical, Fosteriana, Red, pink, 4 to 20 in 3 Sun, part B, C, Most botanical (a.k.a. species)
Greigii, Kaufmanniana, yellow, (10 to shade N, P tulips perennialize; some botanical
single early, double early orange, 50 cm) tulips bloom in mid-spring; single
tulips purple, lilac, and double varieties prefer full sun
(Tulipa cvs.) white

Snowdrops and Dutch crocus Striped squill Winter aconite

Photos, left to right: Ham Karel-Visions/Age; Garden Making (3) GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 15
 Mid-spring | Depending on temperatures, these bulbs usually peak in late April through May.

BULB COLOURS HEIGHT ZONE LIGHT USES NOTES

Trout lily, dogs tooth violet Yellow, pink, 6 in (15 cm) 3 Part shade B, N Corms prefer a moist, woodland
(Erythronium spp.) lilac, white setting; attractive mottled foliage
Crown imperial Red, orange, 24 in 5 Sun B Malodorous, but only at close
(Fritillaria imperialis) yellow (60 cm) range; critter-proof
Checkered lily Purple, white 8 in 3 Sun, part B, N Watch for red lily leaf beetles
(F. meleagris) (20 cm) shade
Hyacinth Pink, blue, 10 in 4 Sun, part B, F, P Looks best planted in groups
(Hyacinthus orientalis) yellow, purple, (25 cm) shade of three or more
lilac, white
Grape hyacinths Pink, blue, 6 in 3 Sun, part B, F, M. armeniacum is a vigorous
(Muscari spp.) white (15 cm) shade N spreader

Large- and small-cupped, Pink, yellow, 10 to 18 in 3 Sun, part B, C, Cupped daffodils often have ruffled
double daffodils white (25 to shade F, P coronas; doubles can have double
(Narcissus spp. and cvs.) 45 cm) trumpets, perianths or both
Triumph, Darwin tulips Red, pink, 8 to 22 in 3 Sun B, C, Triumphs are crosses of early and late
(Tulipa cvs.) orange, (20 to F, P single tulips, while Darwins are crosses
yellow, purple, 56 cm) of Fosterianas and single earlies; both
lilac, maroon, are strong, sturdy tulips
white

Checkered lily

Crown imperial Hyacinth

16 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photos, clockwise from left: Visions/Age; Frank Teigler/Age; Garden Making
 Late spring | Bridge the gap between mid-spring bulbs and summer perennials with these late bloomers.

BULB COLOURS HEIGHT ZONE LIGHT USES NOTES

Alliums Blue, yellow, 4 to 70 in 4 to 6 Sun, part B, C Most develop interesting seed heads;
(Allium spp. and cvs.) purple, ma- (10 to shade critter-proof; A. moly is a vigorous
roon, white 175 cm) spreader
Camas, quamash Blue 12 in 4 Sun, part B, N Will tolerate moist, heavy soils;
(Camassia spp.) (30 cm) shade Blue Melody has variegated leaves
Summer snowflake White 12 in 4 Sun, part B, N Gravetye Giant reaches 24 in (60 cm)
(Leucojum aestivum) (30 cm) shade
Mini, poetaz daffodils Orange, yel- 8 to 16 in 3 Sun, part B, Poetaz (a.k.a. poeticus) types are
(Narcissus spp. and cvs.) low, white (20 to shade C, F, especially fragrant
40 cm) N, P
Single late, double late, Red, pink, 12 to 30 in 3 Sun B, C, Blooms on double late tulips
parrot, viridiflora, fringed, orange, yel- (30 to F, P resemble peonies; viridifloras are
multi-flowering and low, purple, 75 cm) long-blooming; lily-flowered tulips
lily-flowered tulips lilac, maroon, pointed petals and arching stems
(Tulipa spp. and cvs.) white are particularly graceful
Bulgarian honey garlic Greenish 36 in 6 Sun B, C Garlic-scented leaves; sometimes sold
(Nectaroscordum siculum white with (90 cm) as Allium bulgaricum
ssp. bulgaricum) purple stripes

Bulgarian honey garlic

Allium Parrot tulip

Photos, clockwise from left: Garden Making (2); Laura Berman GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 17
BULB
FAQS
ANSWERED
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked
questions we receive about how to make spring-blooming
bulbs happy and healthy, and keep them that way.
How far apart do
I plant bulbs?
Generally, smaller bulbs
can be planted close
together, but not touch-
ing. A dozen closely
planted small bulbs, such
as crocus or snowdrops,
has more visual impact
than taking a dozen small
bulbs and placing them
individually throughout a
border.
In the case of large
daffodils, leave at least a
couple of inches (5 cm)
between bulbs to allow
for expansion as they
multiply.
What bulbs
can I grow
if I dont have hardy bulb we know of that
well-drained
soil?
18 GARDEN MAKING .27 BULBS & BLOOMS
How late can I plant
them in the fall?
Gardeners will sometimes
glibly say that as long as
you can get a trowel into
the ground, its not too
late. This may be gener-
ally true, but the earlier
you can get your bulbs
planted before the soil
freezes, the more time
theyll have to start root
growth. Also, they wont
be languishing on your
countertops, drying out in
their packaging.
Bulbs that prefer plant-
ing in early fall are snow-
drops and winter aconite,
which are small and tend
to dry out if left out of the
ground too long. Try to
get these into your garden
soon after purchase.
Your choices are limited.
The only spring-blooming
tolerates damp areas is
quamash (Camassia spp.).
How deep do I plant bulbs?
Read the instructions on the
package for specific bulbs,
but as a general rule, plant
three times deeper than the
bulbs height, measuring from
the bottom of the bulb.
When should I feed my bulbs?
Advice varies. Some gardeners add bonemeal
at planting time; others dont bother, feeling
as long as bulbs are planted in soil that drains
well and has been amended with organic mat-
Which end ter, theyll be fine.
goes up? In the spring, when your bulbs leaves first
appear, you could give them a boost for the
For tulips and daffodils, following year by adding a layer of compost or
the answer is easy: pointy composted cattle manure around the base of
end up. For smaller the plants, or watering in a high-phosphorus
bulbs such as crocus, it soluble fertilizer, diluted to half-strength.
might not be so obvious.
Sometimes there is a tiny
growing tip on one side
and a few fringy roots on Why is it important to let bulb
the opposite side, and
this helps. foliage die back naturally?
If its impossible to be
sure which is the top, Allowing bulb foliage to gradually die back
plant it on its sidewhen without interference encourages the production
the shoots begin to of carbohydrates, crucial to making next years
emerge in the spring, blooms. Dont remove, trim, braid or bundle the
theyll find their way to leaves, no matter how unsightly they may be, until
the sun. the foliage is completely yellow. Yellow leaves
signal that the chlorophyll is gone and no more
food is being produced.
But I dislike looking at dying bulb
foliage. Any suggestions?
Try planting bulbs just behind mid-height or tall
perennials, such as astilbe, hostas, cranesbills or
peonies, which will help camouflage the bulbs
withering leaves. Or, plant small bulbs such as
crocus, Iris reticulata or snowdrops, which have
small leaves that will die back sooner than the
bigger, broader foliage of tulips and daffodils.
Should I be worried
when I see bulb
foliage peeking
through the soil in
late winter, even if
a few more weeks
of snow and freezing
temperatures are
forecast?
Theres no need to do
anything: bulbs are tough
customers and smart
about fickle spring weath-
er. Early emerging foliage
can withstand surprise
frosts and snowfalls, and
even if the foliage is dam-
aged, the flower buds
are still tucked inside
the bulb, waiting for the
right time to make their
appearance. And once
the flowers do emerge, a
bit of cold weather wont
harm themthey, too,
can withstand it.
Are there any bulbs
deer wont devour?
Tulips (and summer-flower-
ing lilies) are tops on their
list of preferred snacks.
Less desirable are alliums,
daffodils, hyacinths, grape
hyacinths and fritillaries,
but they will nibble even
these bulbs if hungry
enough. Deer almost never
touch anemones, glory of
the snow, Siberian squills
or crocuses.
I buy potted bulbs for the Squirrels are my nemesis.
house in early spring Is there anything that really
daffodils, tulips, hyacinths. works?
Can these be replanted in There are no 100 per cent surefire ways to keep
squirrels from digging up bulbs, but here are a few
my garden, once theyve ways to discourage them:
finished blooming?
1. Plant bulbs slightly deeper than whats
Yes, but with a few caveats. Potted bulbs have been recommended.
forced into blooming earlier than they normally would,
which means theyre exhausted and require some extra 2. Avoid placing bulbs on the ground while
love. Remove spent flowers, but leave foliage intact. preparing the planting area; keep in paper bags
Feed with a water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to half- until its time to bury them. Pieces of the bulbs
strength or more. Water when the top inch (2.5 cm) of loose, papery coverings left behind may send
soil feels dry and let excess water drain away. The aim a signal to squirrels that tasty treats are nearby.
of this careful aftercare is to build up the bulbs reserves
for next year. 3. After planting, water well to make the area seem
When the threat of frost has passed, replant the undisturbed and messy for little feet to dig.
bulbs in your garden at the same depth they were
growing at in the container. Continue to let the foliage 4. Plant daffodils with crocuses and tulips; daffodils
die back naturally. Next years blooms may be sparse contain lycorine, a crystalline alkaloid toxic to
or non-existent, but there may be a better show in the squirrels. Or, plant with crown imperials (Fritillaria
third year. Its worth a try. imperialis), which have an unpleasant odour.
5. After planting, place chicken wire over the area
to discourage digging. Remove the wire covering in
When I plant bulbs, the first years blooms
the spring, when the bulbs are emerging.
are prolific, but the following year, there
are only a few. Suggestions?
Hyacinths, large fritillaries and many tulips dwindle My [fill in tulips, daffodils, crocus, alliums,
after the first year, even with good drainage and plenty etc.] have bloomed well for several years.
of sun. Bulbs that have staying poweroften referred This spring, there were leaves, but no
to as bulbs that perennializeinclude most daffodils, blooms. Why?
species crocus, species tulips, glory of the snow, squill
and Iris reticulata. Single early and Darwin tulips often There could be several now: encroaching
perennialize too, if given ideal planting conditions: reasons (one of which shade; overcrowding;
good soil, full sun and dry conditions in summer. is described at the too much moisture in
Tall, bold alliums will fade over time, but the smaller left). Perhaps circum- the summer; depleted
allium species multiply readily (sometimes too readily). stances have changed nutrients. Or, they
Common grape hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum) can in your garden, mak- have simply declined
take over a garden bed as well, so think carefully about ing the area where in vigour (as we all do)
where you plant them. your bulbs are located and its time to replace
less hospitable to them them.

Im renovating my You have a few options.
Option 1: After the foliage dies
garden and need to back in spring, lift the bulbs,
move my spring bulbs to brush off excess soil and place
in an open, shady spot for a
another area. When and few days. Then, place the bulbs
how should I do this? in a dry, cool spot over summer
and replant in the fall as you
would recently purchased
bulbs. Option 2: Once the
foliage is nearly ripened, lift the
clump of bulbs and replant in
their new location at the same
depth they were growing at.
Option 3: In the spring, mark
the clump of bulbs you wish
to move. In the fall, carefully
lift the dormant bulbs, making
a wide circle to avoid slicing
into any on the perimeter, and
replant in their new location.

GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 19

BELOVED
BULBS
We asked well-known gardeners who
have handled a trowel or two in their time
to reveal their top picks.
BY HEATHER WHITE Carlton daffodil

TS A LEAP OF FAITH. YOU BURY A SMALL, non-descript fibrous mass, not always knowing which
end is up. Some bulbs you plant in fall; others you plant in spring and dig up in fall, knowing that win-
ter will turn them to mush. You may well mark where theyre buried then forget about them, until one
day you see signs of growth, and youre pleased with yourself because you made the effort.
With such a burgeoning variety of bulbs, tubers and corms available, we invited a few gardening
industry folks to tell us about their personal favouritesmaybe theyll become your favourites, too.

Narcissus naturalize beautifully in my 10-acre garden. Ive planted 20,000
over the past 10 years and they continue to multiply each year. Look for
varieties that say suitable for naturalizing, as some multiply better than
others. I like Carlton in particular. Narcissus are rodent and deer resistant,
and they make beautiful cut flowers; some varieties are fragrant. My plan is
that my narcissus meadows will outlive me.
Mark Cullen (markcullen.com), recent Ontario recipient of the Order of Canada
for his contributions to horticultural and environmental education
Just a single tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)
is outstanding. It grows from a tuberous root
and blooms August to September, producing a
beguiling fragrance to rival any rose. (Flowers
are harvested in volume for their oils, extracted
for use in fine perfumes.) Its a pretty plant with
creamy white tubular flowers along a tall stem.
The flowers open at night, and as they dowow!
David Hobson (davidhobson.ca), blogger, photog-
rapher, and weekly columnist for The Waterloo Region
Record in Ontario

My favourite spring bulbs are Siberian At Gardenimport, we sold Eucomis (a.k.a.

fritillary (Fritillaria pallidiflora), from Siberia,
and Michailovski fritillary (F. michailovskyi),
from Turkey. Both are perfectly hardy in Sas-
katoon. Siberian fritillary tolerates various
(well-drained) soils, moisture and light con-
ditions, and naturalizes readily. Michailovski
fritillary is small and cute. Just make sure its
larger neighbours dont overrun it.
pineapple lily) for more than 30 years with few,
if any, complaints. Theyre super-easy to grow,
needing only a pot, well-draining soil, water and
sunlight. They have attractive foliage and
spectacular midsummer flowers that last for
weeks. I bring my pots in before frost, put them
in a dark corner of my basement and leave them
alone until the following spring.

Sara Williams, author, horticulturist and Dugald Cameron, first president of the Greater
Master Gardener program instructor at Pineapple lily Toronto Bulb Society and co-founder of the specialty
University of Saskatchewan mail-order nursery Gardenimport, which closed in 2014

20 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photos, left to right: Liz Cole-GWI/Age; Visions Botanical/Age

Tumbleweed onion
Tumbleweed onion (Allium schubertii) boasts a double
exploding starburst ball, which can reach the size of a
soccer ball. Its made up of several tiny, star-shaped rose-
pink flowers. The flower stalk is short, so place it at the front
of a border and interplant it among low-growing perennials
that will disguise the foliage that starts to decline once
flowers emerge. Resist the urge to deadheadthe seed
head provides a conversation piece in the garden for some
time. After seeds are dispersed, you can use the flower
stalks in dried flower arrangements. Whether its in full
flower or dried, it reminds me of a huge magic wand.
Liz Klose, honorary Master Gardener of Ontario and former garden director
of Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden in St. Johns
Photo: Gillian Plummer/Gap
MORE
BULB IDEAS
ONLINE
Find more favourites from
other gardening gurus at
gardenmaking.com/bulbs
Nectaroscordum siculum, a lesser-known member
of the allium family, snakes up through other plants
on a single green stalk, eventually forming what
looks like a translucent paper bag on its head.
After a few days, the sheath tears open and a clus-
ter of cream-and-ruby bells drops down, dangling
over the bed below. Nectaroscordum intermingles
exquisitely with perennial companions like
astrantia. If youre lucky, it will self-seed for you.
Tony Spencer (newperennialist.com), planting
planner and writer in Ontario
My current favourite is Tulipa praestans
Unicum, an early-blooming species tulip with
bright red flowers and showy foliage rimmed
in whiteplus, each bulb produces several
blooms! If you have the space and inclination,
repeat groupings throughout your property.
As species tulips, theyre likely to naturalize.
Ed Lawrence (gardeningwithed.com), whose 29-year
tenure at the National Capital Commission, Ottawa,
included oversight of the 85-acre historical grounds
and the greenhouses of Rideau Hall
There is nothing predictable about spring on the
prairiesit can start in late February or in late May.
Then it may be dry, revert to winter overnight or jump
directly into summer. So my all-time favourite bulb
is grape hyacinth (Muscari). Its a hardy little bulb
with tough blooms that are unfazed by drought or
extremes in climate. I want my bulbs to please me all
the time, not just some of the time, so even though
the bulb I love most is a weed in warmer climates,
its a treasure here in May, when it carpets the prairie
ground with intense blue blooms.
Donna Balzer (gardenguru.net), garden writer based
in Calgary and Vancouver Island
Iris reticulata Katharine Hodgkin is one of the first
flowers up and has a surprising colouring: pale
greenish blue, almost turquoise, with yellow
highlights and beautifully intricate markings. It
clumps up rapidly, forming dense stands of flowers,
and produces a prolific quantity of bulblets. Just dig
them up, replant them and you can fill your yard with
them in no time. It adapts to any well-drained soil in
spots that receive spring sunlight. A tiny stunner!
Larry Hodgson (laidbackgardener.wordpress.com),
gardening tour guide and author in Quebec City
GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 21
 Choice of the Year!

Joyful
Hearts
Love Spring Blooms? Plant Bulbs this Fall!
3ODQWWKHVHVSULQJRZHULQJEXOEVWKLVIDOOWRHQMR\EORRPV
in the spring. Visit your local Florissa brand retailer or visit
ZZZRULVVDFRP IRU WKH JDUGHQ FHQWHU QHDUHVW \RX

Wave Coral Reef Eye Catcher

Narcissus Iris

Seabreeze
new Via Con Dios
Under the Stars Tulip
'Ballerina tulip

Lily-flowered Ballerina tulip is a star. Sweetly

For ALL things Flowering Bulbs,
Perennials, Small Fruit & Roses visit:
www.florissa.com
HPDLOPDLO#RULVVDFRP
www.facebook.com/Florissa twitter.com/FlorissaGarden
scented flowers have clear orange, reflexed, pointy
petals centred with a wide stroke of magenta. Its
fabulous in a clump with dark purple tulips, like
Queen of the Night or Black Hero.
Liz Primeau (lizprimeau.com), garden writer in Ontario

While I appreciate the beauty of most spring-flowering

bulbs, I tend to choose those that arent decimated by
squirrels, or scarlet lily leaf beetle, which sadly is now
the case with fritillaries (after all, theres only so much
heartache a gardener can take). I also like bulbs that
naturalize, such as narcissi, and some of the smaller
ephemerals, such as grape hyacinths (Muscari),
snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) and Dutch anemone
(Anemone coronaria). I jumble everything together
in a basket, throw the bulbs around by handfuls
CANADIAN wherever I want them to go, and then dig them in
celebration pretty much where they land.
tulips O tulipes Aldona Satterthwaite, writer and former executive director
of Toronto Botanical Garden

22 GARDEN MAKING .27 BULBS & BLOOMS

My favourite summer bulb is
gloriosa lily (Gloriosa superba), a
tender vine that can be grown on a
trellis in a 12-inch (30-cm) container
in full sun or dappled shade. Its
red-and-yellow flowers bloom
in the summer and are worthy of
adoration. In northern Ontario, the
tubers are lifted and stored in damp
peat moss over the winter. (Note
that this plant is poisonous; wear
gloves when handling.) A glorious
addition to any garden!
Suzanne Hanna, president of the
Ontario Horticultural Association
My pick is scented narcissus,
such as Delnashaugh. They
take summer drought, and are a
good cut flower. Before mixing
cut narcissus with other flowers
in a vase, let them sit in water on
their own overnight in order to
expel the toxic sap that can kill
other flowers in an arrangement.
Sarah Nixon (mylusciousbackyard.ca),
urban flower farmer in Toronto
Queen of Sheba tulip was loved
by the late, great British gardener
Christopher Lloyd. He introduced
me to it, and now I love it, too, for
its lily-flowered shape (so elegant)
and zingy colour (scarlet rimmed
with white). Even better, it has
lasted for years in my garden when
other tulips dont.
Sonia Day (soniaday.com), author,
painter and Toronto Star gardening
columnist
Glory of the snow
Photos, left to right: Visions/Age; Niki Jabbour
I love the diminutive spring-flowering
Chionodoxa, also known as glory of the
snow. It grows in both sun and partial shade,
resists deer and groundhogs, blooms like
crazy for weeks, and even self-seeds.
Niki Jabbour (savvygardening.com), author, radio
show host and year-round vegetable gardener near
Halifax
Im a sucker for blue flowers, and native Virginia
bluebells (Mertensia virginica) is one of the
bestespecially since it blooms in early spring
when were starved for colour. The tubers of this
ephemeral woodland plant spread into
glorious, cheerful colonies.
Lorraine Johnson, writer, urban farmer and native
plant advocate in Toronto
Im always looking for easy plants with
minimal maintenance, and I have come to
truly appreciate grape hyacinths (Muscari
armeniacum). The fragrant flowers are deep
blue/purple and look like miniature grapes.
They easily naturalize and the bees abso-
lutely love them. Sometimes the leaves will
grow upwards in the fallI think theyre just
trying to grab a little extra sunshine before
winter hits. Once we have a hard frost, the
leaves die back and the bulbs once again
wait until conditions are optimal for flowers.
Charlie Dobbin, landscape design and horticultural
consultant in Ontario
In the spring garden, there is no plant more
intriguing than Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema
triphyllum). Many plants are selected for their
showy good looks easily spotted from across
the garden. With Jack-in-the-pulpit, the unusual
inflorescence is tucked beneath arching three-
lobed leaves, inviting observers to peer be-
neath. Consisting of a striped purple-and-green
sheath-like spathe (pulpit) and flower-bearing
spadix (Jack), its inflorescence is reminiscent of a
calla lily bloom, except its covered with a hood
that looks a little like a curled tongue. Native to
eastern North America, Arisaema grow from
tubers, are hardy to Zone 3 and thrive in moist
woodland conditions. If including even a single
Jack-in-the-pulpit in your spring display elevates
it to elegance, picture the impact of massing
several together.
Colleen Zacharias, gardening columnist for the
Winnipeg Free Press and Master Gardener in Manitoba
(Recommendations condensed and edited.)
GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 23
MARITIME
MOSAIC
From woodland to wetland, rhodos to rocks, this Nova Scotia garden
has it all, including a gardeners gardener as one of its creators.
BY HEATHER WHITE. PHOTOGRAPHY BY IZZY DEMPSEY

Early morning mist

envelopes the diverse,
gently sloping garden of
Donna and Duff Evers,
which is on McQuade
Lake, near Halifax.

24 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS

 HEN I PHONED DONNA EVERS to set a time to
tour her lakeside property in Hammonds Plains,
N.S., a stones throw northwest of Halifax, she said I could drop by any timewhether theres Sparkling white
a vehicle in the driveway or not. Just leave your shovel in the car, she added, chuckling. blooms on an unnamed
Busted, I thought. When I did meet Donna, I realized she probably invited anyone to drop rhododendron cross by
by as it suited, sans shovel. Despite having a mixed border of trees and shrubs at the front of Captain Dick Steele.
the property, filtering the view from the street, Donna is a gardeners gardener who loves
to sharebog plants, Latin names and this arresting acre of diverse, lush landscape that she
and her husband, Duff, have carved out of wood and stone for more than two decades.

GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 25

 5 FALL
FAVOURITES

Donna Evers looks

for plants that have
character throughout
the seasons. Here she
describes five of her
picks to keep autumn
interesting.
1. Colchicum spe-
cies: My favourite is
Colchicum agrippinum.
The leaves are greyish
green and relatively
small; the flowers, pink
with a darker che-
From a seating area at the back of the house, the land slopes down toward quered pattern. And
McQuade Lake. Three distinct areas run the propertys width: a sunny, they dont flop over in
the autumn rains.
terraced garden, marked by a square lattice fence; a grassy area where the sep- 2. Fall-blooming
tic field is, hemmed in by a dry stone wall; and the damp, dappled, wild wood- anemone: The pink
land that abuts the lake, where paths twist and turn around rocks and stumps. Anemone hypehensis
September Charm is
Heather White: Woodland, wetland, wooden benches, arbours, obelisks, the birdhouses, the rather rambunctious;
fences, stone pathsyouve got a collage of chairs, fences, troughs, paths, the rock retain- white Andrea Atkin-
plant collections and themes that might com- ing wallyou name it. He spent hours at the son and the double
pete for interest, but instead, they knit togeth- quarry selecting suitable rocks for the retain- Whirlwind are better
er pleasingly as if in a park or public garden. ing wall, rocks that were flat on three sides. behaved.
Did you have a master plan? Now, of course, you get what you get, but back 3. Viburnums thrive in
in the 90s, you could pick your own for $5 a the damp areas of our
Donna Evers: The diversity is both a highlight load. Putting the wall together was like a tac- garden. Shoshoni and
and a challenge. We have areas that are wet and tile crossword puzzle. It would take hours, or Mariesii viburnums
others that are bone-dry, areas of deep and maybe a day, to make the next move. are a feast for the eye in
filtered shade and also full sun. In hindsight, spring, and a feast for
I might have hired a landscape designer, but I This house was built for you; this was a newly the robins in fall.
wouldnt have followed the plans anyway! cleared lot, a fresh start. 4. Disanthus cercidifo-
We had never intended to garden on as much The only landscaping was the sod the builder lius also likes the same
of the property as we did. We just got carried was required to throw over the construction moist conditions;
away, moving from the house outward. Any- waste. Our previous home, in Sackville, N.B., its glorious with its
thing that works well together is more luck was a funny little house with a mixed front burgundy-red autumn
than anything. The very back, next to the lake, bordersome of our perennials and shrubs foliage.
was a dumping ground where I tossed divi- were dug up mid-season and transplanted into 5. Evergreen azaleas
sions or plants that had fallen out of favour for a patch of soil here that was hastily prepared are smothered with
whatever reason, so its transformation was es- using two truckloads of compost. We had a lot blossoms in late June
pecially lucky. of rock and not a lot of topsoil. Id jump on a and then perform again
I am more a plant collector than a designer. shovel and it wouldnt go in the ground. After in autumn with
Duff created all the hardscaping elements: the loads of garden soil, bags of mulched oak leaves wonderful leaf colour.

26 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS

Duff built the long retaining wall
and trellises on the property,
which had scarce topsoil when
the Evers arrived 23 years ago.

GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 27

More than 200 rhododendrons grace the property, along with 35 magnolias, which are Duff's domain. The
purple blooms beside the path are a Rhododendron russatum hybrid.
and manure, we can say we have soil. We con-
tinued to add composted oak leaves over the
yearsfriends call us the leaf bandits.
So you got by with contributions from friends.
When we first moved here we were empty
nesters and I wasnt working, so gardening
was my contact with the world. It can be very
socialwe belong to a few clubs, such as the
Atlantic Rhododendron & Horticultural Soci-
ety (ARHS), and host events here. The garden
wouldnt be half of what it is without friends
suggestions and gifts. I have an orange aza-
lea, a cross made by a friend, and a collection
of magnolia seedlings started by a friend with
seed crosses from the American Magnolia Soci-
ety. Trillium grandiflorum Flore Pleno was a
birthday gift from a gardening friend. We start-
ed with three Primula japonica, also gifts, and
now there are almost 1,000, all self-seeded.
And Hugos rose [Rosa hugonis] came from
a cutting taken from a friends garden. Roses
dont tend to do well here, but we have to cut
the lovely Hugo back from time to time in order
to get to the storage shed.
I see you speak Latin. Do you feel thats a pre-
requisite of being embedded in gardening clubs?
Not in an egotistical way. Its more about clar-
ity. I do like to make a stab at the Latin names.
If I get them wrong, people are kindthey
gently correct me or roll their eyesbut you
know, common names are much more fun. For
example, Colchicum autumnale is also called
naked lady; Nigella can be either love-in-a-
mist or devil-in-a-bush.
28 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS
Tell me about your many rhododendrons
and magnolias.
We have more than 200 rhodos and 35 magno-
lias. The magnolias are in Duffs care. (He has
been known to pick the leaves off the large-leaf
Magnolia tripetala and obovata if there is a
threat of early wet snow!) When we first went
to Bayport Plant Farm and met Captain Dick
Steele [co-founder of the ARHS and a rhodo-
dendron breeder], I asked if there was anything
special about planting a magnolia. His response
was, Yes. You put the roots in the ground. We
werent too intimidated then! Later I asked him
about feeding plants, and he said, You feed
your kids, dont you? So we began to broad-
cast handfuls of a general fertilizer, 6-12-12,
which made a significant difference.
Also, despite conventional wisdom, our rho-
dos are happier in sun than in shadethey are
more compact and have more buds.
I love that there are so many seating areas.
Do you ever get to use them?
We do, with coffee, although in my next life I
would like an under-gardener and a sous chef!
We can also see the garden from every win-
dow of the house. But we dont get the scent
or sound so much that way. Duff keeps bees,
and there are always birds aroundnot least
of all the chickadees nesting in the birdhouses
he built. Bird song abounds. When its warm
and the bees are active, theres a light hum
and bouquet of beeswax on the breeze. We also
have lots of dragonflies on account of the lake
they are aquatic creatures.
 Top: A rhododendron
bloom in late spring,
one of hundreds.
Above: An unfurling
magnolia blossom.

2 3

1. A potted phormium
anchors one end of the
dry stone wall.
2. Marsh marigolds and
iris fill boggy areas near
the lake.
3. Pink Rhododendron
schlippenbachii
underplanted with tulips
and grape hyacinths.

GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 29

The lakeside area looks like it could be a mossy
dell in a subtropical region, with some of its
plants having naturalized in the boggy areas.
How did you create that?
With the exception of some lovely old hem-
locks, the trees were twisted maple, scruffy
spruce and diseased beech, and we couldnt
see the lake at all from the house. The hemlocks
were limbed up and the rest were thinned;
over the years, about 30 trees have had to come
down for various reasons. This has opened
up the canopy, allowing for new planting ar-
eas and better views of the water sparkling
through the trees. The bogs fill up when it rains
and there are a lot of water-runoff areasdi-
vergent ditches.
The biggest challenge has been getting the
right plant in the right location (also an excuse
to get another plant). The big drainage ditch
is filled with marsh marigold, iris, skunk cab-
bage and primula. Duff has created paths, steps
and boardwalks around the stump roots and
boulders, following the lands contours. The
compromised trees still standing are good for
wildlifewoodpeckers love the birch, for ex-
ampleas long as they arent in danger of hit-
ting something if they do come down in a hurry.
If I had one regret, its that we had left more
of the uprooted stumps on the property. I
would have liked to have a stumpery, a pile of
old tree roots where Id plant ferns and Solo- 1 2 1. Prickly pear cactus nestled in a dry stone wall
mons seal. Prince Charles has one at his wood- 2. Camas (Camassia quamash)
land garden in Highgrove, in the U.K. 3 4
3. Various primroses with lungwort (Pulmonaria)
4. Japanese primrose (Primula japonica)
All in all, its quite a legacy.
When this property gets sold, the listing might
say something like, Garden for sale, house in-
cluded. The garden could be an impediment
for someone. You could always let the perenni- THE DETAILS
als go, and the shrubs would just take over.
You know, its funny, I grew up on a farm in Garden owners Special features
northern Ontario. My mother let me take pet- Donna and Duff Evers A lush, sloping lake-
als from poppies and peonies to the church and Location side property exhibit-
throw them at the brides, or sell bouquets of Hammonds Plains, ing a pageant of bees,
lilacs for 10 cents each. But I hated the chores, N.S. birds and distinctive
such as weeding and planting (I remember Size of garden plant vignettes, with
planting a seed at the front of my toes and one one acre many vantage points
behind my heel); it was all-consuming. As kids, Zone 5 Challenges
we got teased about the smell when we sprayed When With such a variety
manure on the fields. Now, what I wouldnt photographed of areas, it has taken
give for a load of that black gold! end of May a while to figure out
Age of garden what plants do well
(Interview condensed and edited.) 23 years where, says Donna

30 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS

 SPRING
SPARKLERS
From gilding grass to beautifying window boxes,
dwarf daffodils are multifaceted garden gems.
BY STEPHEN WESTCOTT-GRATTON

THINK OF DWARF DAFFODILS AS form myriad functions: Early-flower-

the small, glittering jewels of the
spring garden, agreeing with Eliz-
abeth Lawrence (190485), who
wrote, Of all the little bulbs, the
flowers of these miniatures are the
most endearingly diminutive, the
most daintily perfect in proportion,
and the most delicate in colour.
In the garden, dwarf daffodils per-
ing types are ideal for naturalizing in
lawns, and because theyre compact, Bicoloured Jack
all dwarf varieties can be tucked into Snipe dwarf
containers and window boxes, or daffodils are perfect
placed along pathways where their for naturalizing or
sweetly scented flowers are always planting in turfgrass.
welcome. For a steady succession of
these beauties, plant early-, mid- and
late-flowering cultivars.

Photo: Visions Botanical/Age GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 31

SIX DELIGHTFUL
DWARF
DAFFODILS
The following list of daffodils is grouped
according to sequence of bloom, and all
are hardy to Zone 4.

Narcissus cyclamineus as double-headed N.

is native to Spain and cyclamineus cultivars
Portugal, and cultivars like Tte--Tte.
in this division bear
one flower per stem TTE--TTE
with reflexed peri- DAFFODIL
anth segments (or
petals) and long, thin Often the first daffodil
coronas (cups or to flower in gardens,
trumpets). Tte--Tte grows eight
inches (20 cm) tall and
FEBRUARY GOLD bears two or three nod-
CYCLAMINEUS ding, fragrant 2-inch
DAFFODIL (6.5-cm)-wide flowers
February Gold grows per stem with yellow
10 inches (25 cm) tall perianth segments and
and produces three- dark gold coronas. It
inch (7.5-cm)-wide naturalizes slowly in
golden flowers; recom- flowerbeds or turfgrass.
mended for contain- Early season.
ers or naturalizing in N. tazetta is native to Commonly called
turfgrass. Early season. N. jonquill is the Mediterranean angels tears, N.
native to Spain, and region, and cultivars triandrus is native to
JACK SNIPE cultivars in this divi- in this division bear up Spain and Portugal,
CYCLAMINEUS sion bear up to five to 20 flowers per stem and cultivars in this
DAFFODIL flowers per stem with with broad perianth division bear up
Splendid in flower- spreading perianth segments and small to six nodding flowers
beds, containers and segments and shallow coronas. per stem with reflexed
turfgrass, vigorous Jack coronas held above perianth segments
Snipe grows eight almost cylindrical MINNOW and short coronas.
inches (20 cm) tall and leaves. TAZETTA
produces three-inch DAFFODIL HAWERA
(7.5-cm)-wide flowers QUAIL Above: Hawera is Minnow grows eight TRIANDRUS
with creamy white JONQUILLA a late-season mini- inches (20 cm) tall DAFFODIL
perianth segments DAFFODIL daffodil. and produces up to Hawera grows 10
and golden coronas. If Quail produces up to five fragrant, one-inch inches (25 cm) tall
left undisturbed, it will three 2-inch (6.5-cm)- Top: A suitable (2.5-cm)-wide flowers and bears one or two
create large swaths over wide golden blooms candidate for per stem with creamy flowering stems per
time. Early season. per stem. Growing naturalizing in turfgrass, white perianth seg- bulb, each with up to
10 inches (25 cm) tall, February Gold grows ments and lemon-yel- six nodding, fragrant
Daffodil Division 12 this fragrant variety 10 inches (25 cm) tall. low coronas. Enjoy its yellow blooms. Excel-
(or Miscellaneous should be planted near heady scent in a vase, or lent in spring containers
Cultivars) is a doorways and open grow in rockeries, at the and window boxes or
catch-all group for windows where its front of flowerbeds or in as cut flowers, its also at
hybrids that dont scent can be savoured; containers; its inexpen- home in flowerbeds and
fit conveniently into fantastic as a cut flower. sive, so buy at least 30 rockeries. Late season.
other divisions, such Mid-season. bulbs. Mid-season. FOR SOURCES, SEE PAGE 61.

32 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photos, top to bottom: Trevor Sims, Cora Niele-GWI/Age
For a parade of dainty daffodils throughout spring, plant drifts of early-, mid- and late-season varieties. Fragrant Quail blooms
in mid-spring, and makes a good cut flower. Each stem produces three golden blooms.

Photo: Visions Botanical/Age GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 33

 ON THE
DOUBLE
With twice the petals, double tulips are so full and fluffy,
you might mistake them for peonies.
BY STEPHEN WESTCOTT-GRATTON

Plant La Belle poch

tulips where you can
admire their subtle
colouring. They also
make a good cut flower.

34 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS

 ESPITE THE DIZZYING NUMBER OF BULBS THAT bear dazzling springtime
blooms, its impossible to imagine any that are more flashy and flamboyant than double-flowered
tulips. Available in a rainbow of colours and colour combinations, their lush, luxuriant blooms are
often compared to peonies and roses, and whether youre a new gardener or an old pro, double
tulips are among the easiest, most rewarding flowers youll ever grow.
Tulips are notorious for their ability to interbreed effortlessly between species and for their
Above: For a plethora of natural tendency to produce spontaneous mutations (or sports), and both traits have led to
petals, pair Cartouche, a tremendous diversity of form, habit and appearance. Some of the first natural mutations to
a double late tulip, with be isolated by gardeners were bulbs that produced double blooms with 12 tepals (tulip-talk for
early peonies. petals) instead of the usual six.
With careful selection, its easy to create an uninterrupted parade of double-flowered tulips
in your own spring garden by including early-, mid- and late-flowering cultivars. And as every
gardener knows, twice as many petals are double the fun.

Photos, left to right: Lucy Griffiths; Visions/Gap GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 35

TOP 10
The progeny of the Central Asian Tulipa
DOUBLE fosteriana and its hybrids crossed with
TULIPS T. greigii and/or T. kaufmanniana cultivars,
Fosteriana Group varieties are the first tulips
Grouped to bloom in many gardens.
according to
division and EXOTIC EMPEROR
sequence DOUBLE FOSTERIANA TULIP
of bloom. Growing 16 inches (40 cm) tall on thick, sturdy
stems, Exotic Emperor produces cool white
double blooms with occasional streaks of green
that are framed by gently twisting green-and-white
outer tepals. The loose, fragrant flowers look best
when bulbs are densely planted (one inch/2.5 cm
apart) in groups of 15 or more.
There are six cultivars in the Emperor Series,
beginning with Red Emperor (Mme. Lefeber) in
1931, followed in 1943 by its natural sport, White
Emperor (Purissima). Exotic Emperor was intro- as a cut flower, lasting twice as long as single
duced in 2001.
36 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS
Left: Exotic Emperor, introduced in 2001, is one
of six cultivars in the Emperor Series. It blooms on
strong, sturdy stems.
Right: The grey-green leaves of Peach Blossom
complement its silver-pink flowers. The bulbs are
easy to force for extra-early blooms.
T. greigii was one of the first species tulips
introduced commercially to Europe directly
from the wild, in 1871. Native to the grassy
valleys of the Tien Shan in Central Asia,
T. greigii cultivars are tolerant of clay soils.
DOUBLE RED RIDING HOOD
DOUBLE GREIGII TULIP
Introduced in 1999, Double Red Riding Hood
(a.k.a. 'Dubbele Roodkapje') not only has the
same jet-black bases and bright scarlet flowers as
its illustrious parent, it also has twice the number of
tepals, making for a truly extravagant early-season
display.
Stout 12-inch (30-cm)-tall stems emerge from
the striking purple-and-green striped leaves that
distinguish Greigii Group tulips. Perfect for a fiery
pop of colour in rockeries and flowerbeds, the
short stature and decorative foliage of Double
Red Riding Hood is also ideal for containers.
Although Double Early Group tulips have been
around since the early 1600s, most modern
cultivars are derived from an 1860 introduction
called Murillo and its sports. As a result, apart
from the colour of their tepals, present-day
early doubles all bear similar bowl-shaped
flowers, grow about 10 inches (25 cm) tall and
bloom at the same time.
MONTE CARLO DOUBLE EARLY TULIP
With a flower form frequently likened to roses,
fragrant Monte Carlo bears bright yellow
blooms with faint red streaks; hot spring weather
may cause the outer tepals to fade to primrose
yellow.
Introduced in 1955, Monte Carlo makes
a bold statement in borders (plant at least 20
bulbs), and is suitable for container growing and
early tulips.
Photo: Ham Karel/Visions-Age
 The Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa, started in
DID YOU 1953, is the largest of its kind in the world, drawing
KNOW? half a million visitors each May.

Photo: Debbie Jolliff/GWG-Age GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 37


Above: Royal Acres is a vigorous modern hybrid bred in the Netherlands
by prolific tulip hybridizer Jan Ligthart.
PEACH BLOSSOM DOUBLE EARLY TULIP
Fragrant Peach Blossom is a direct sport of Mu-
rillo and was introduced in 1913. It bears rather
blowsy silver-pink flowers flushed with deep rose
held above complementary grey-green foliage.
Easy to force in containers for extra-early
DID YOU blooms, it also looks lovely in borders overplanted
KNOW? with two-toned broad-leaved grape hyacinth
(Muscari latifolium) bulbs, which bloom at the
Unlike most same time. If picked when half open, Peach
flowering plants, Blossom also makes a long-lasting cut flower.
tulips bear colourful
tepals that are ROYAL ACRES DOUBLE EARLY TULIP
fused at the base of Royal Acres features fragrant, rich purple flowers
the bloom and lack with faintly frosted edges, but hot, sunny spring
the differentiated weather may bleach the tepals an attractive dark
characteristics of dusty rose. Introduced in 2005, Royal Acres is
petals and sepals. gorgeous when planted en masse in groups of 20
Lilies and magnolias or more; for dramatic contrast, try interplanting it
also have tepals, with white Thalia daffodils.
not petals.
38 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photos, clockwise from left: Nicola Stocken/Visions-Age; Nathalie Pasquel/Age; Visions/Age
Monte Carlo resembles
yellow rose buds.
Double Red Riding Hood
grows 12 inches (15 cm) tall.
Native to rocky alpine slopes in Turkey, Iran
and Iraq, in the wild T. humilis often produces
up to three blooms per bulb in varying shades
of pink through magenta.
TTE--TTE DOUBLE MULTI-FLOWERING/
BOUQUET TULIP
The result of a natural mutation, mid-season
Tte--Tte (T. humilis Tte--Tte ) has narrow
grey-green leaves that grow six inches (15 cm) tall
and cradle dark pink to pale purple blooms on
four-inch (10-cm)-tall stems. In their first year, bulbs
typically produce four flowers with 12 tepals each,
but as they mature, six flowers per bulb with up to
24 tepals each is not unusual.
A species (or botanical) tulip, Tte--Tte is
best suited to rockeries or planted in containers
that have been filled with a fast-draining soilless
mix (equal parts cactus mix or horticultural sand
and regular potting mix will do the trick).
The result of several crosses, Sensual Touch is
popular not only for its luscious warm colours, but
also for its yellow fringed edges.

It wasnt until 1981 that late-flowering Fringed

Group tulips were recognized as a separate
tulip division; until then, they had been
lumped together with Parrot Group cultivars.

SENSUAL TOUCH
DOUBLE FRINGED TULIP
Looking almost too good to be true, fragrant
Sensual Touch bears ornate double blooms that
vary in colour from orange to golden apricot,
delicately flushed with salmon and crowned with
an exquisite soft yellow fringe.
Growing 16 inches (40 cm) tall, Sensual Touch
is the result of crosses between several hybrids,
including pink Fancy Frills and Monte Carlo,
and was introduced in 2008. A superb pick-me-
up for tired late-spring borders; plant in groups of
15 or more.

Often called peony-flowered tulips, robust

Double Late Group varieties have been culti-
vated since the early 17th century. Best planted
in a sheltered spot, Double Lates have sumptu-
ous extra-large flowerheadsup to four inches
(10 cm) widethat bloom for weeks when
temperatures remain cool, but dont stand up
well to excessive heat, high winds or heavy
downpours.
CARTOUCHE
DOUBLE LATE TULIP
Fragrant Cartouche grows 18 inches (45 cm) tall
and bears flowers with white tepals generously
feathered and edged with red. As the blooms ma-
ture, the red markings fade to a soft lipstick-pink.
Introduced in 2007, Cartouche makes a long-
lasting cut flower and mixes wonderfully well with
early peonies.
LA BELLE POCH
DOUBLE LATE TULIP
Introduced in 2011, La Belle poch has already
made quite a stir in the tulip world, thanks to its
subtle romantic colouring, with shimmering tones
of amber, dusty rose, apricot and caramel suffused
with a pale yellow halo.
Fragrant La Belle poch grows 14 inches (35
cm) tall, and looks charming in flowerbeds and GROWING
containers, but its at its best as a long-lasting cut TIP
flower, where the intricacies of its blooms can be
appreciated up close and personal. Once your tulips have
dropped their tepals,
MOUNT TACOMA deadhead to prevent
DOUBLE LATE TULIP seed formation and
An instant classic since its introduction in 1924, feed with compost,
lightly scented Mount Tacoma grows 16 inches composted manure or
(40 cm) tall and bears pure white flowerheads liquid fertilizer. Feeding
embellished with narrow green ribs running bulbs while theyre
up the centre of its outer tepals. in flower will shorten
Useful for toning down the more exuberant hues bloom time. Always al-
of other spring bulbs, icy white Mount Tacoma low tulip foliage to die
looks elegant when planted in generous drifts. down naturally.
If solid blocks of colour dont appeal, you can still
chill your borders by interplanting Mount Tacoma
with other cool-coloured tulips, such as Blue
Parrot or fringed Blue Heron.
FOR SOURCES, SEE PAGE 61.

Photo: Jenny Lily/Visions-GWI-Age GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 39

MORE TO
LOVE ABOUT

LILIES
More colours, sizes and vigour are a few of the exciting
developments unfolding in the world of lilies.
BY COLLEEN ZACHARIAS

P
LANTS, LIKE PEOPLE, HAVE HABITS that distinguish them from others. Some are
sociable, cozying up to their neighbours in search of perfect partners on which to twine
their tendrils, spread their leaves and branches, or stealthily encroach, claiming more
ground than necessary. Others take no heed of boundaries, indiscriminately popping
up in irritating places. The lily commands its space with singular beauty, its unhurried
gregariousness appreciated, indeed nurtured, as it adds new stems each spring.
Strongly upright, the lily is a bulbous plant that belongs to the genus Lilium. Gener-
ally hardy to Zone 2, lilies are long-lived, require a minimum of care and multiply over
time. There are nine divisions, with Asiatic, trumpet and Oriental hybrids the most
widely known. Over the years, renowned plant breeders in Canada, such as A.J. (Bert)
Porter, Robert Simonet, Frank Skinner and Percy Wright, hybridized lilies, includ-
ing Asiatics, Martagons and various species, paving the way for the next generation of
hybridizers. Breeding continues to revolutionize the sizes, colours and capabilities of
many plant varieties we grow today, and lilies are no exception to these efforts.

40 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photo: Lily Nook

 Fusion, a cross of
Easter and leopard lilies,
has red fragrant blooms
on 40-inch (1-m) stems.

GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 41

 TEMPTING NEW LILY CROSSES
Some of the most exciting lily breeding devel-
opments involve interdivisional hybrids: L.A.
hybrids (L. longiflorum crossed with Asiatic
lilies) and Orienpets (Orientals crossed with
trumpets). Improved hardiness and vigour
along with exceptional colour variations make
these highly desirable. L.A. hybrids, for exam-
ple, with their clusters of delicately perfumed,
voluptuous blooms atop tall, sturdy stems three
to four feet (90 to 120 cm) tall, can be grown in
moderately acidic or alkaline soils. This is espe-
cially significant for gardeners with heavy clay
DID YOU and alkaline soils, which have been more typi-
KNOW? cally suited to growing Asiatic hybrids.
One new hybrid, Fusion, is a cross of L.
With its striking red longiflorum (Easter lily) and L. pardalinum
body and contrasting (leopard lily). The downward-facing blooms of
black head and anten- Fusion are brick red with golden yellow cen-
nae, the scarlet lily leaf tres layered with a profusion of irregular-sized
beetle isnt hard to dark brown spots. Growing to a height of about
miss. Signs of damage 40 inches (1 m), the strong stems support the
are small holes in lily fragrant blooms on long pedicels to create a
foliage, while a quick distinctive candelabra effect. It blooms in July
check of the under- and August. Nigel Strohman, owner of the Lily
sides of leaves reveals Nook, a mail-order nursery in Neepawa, Man.,
rows of tiny, oblong says Fusion brings two continents together
reddish-orange eggs. in one stunning garden lilyL. longiflorum is
(One lily leaf beetle native to Japan and Taiwan; L. pardalinum is
can lay more than native to California.
300 eggs.) To thwart Lilies typically have six-petalled flowers
predators, larvae cover (three outer sepals and three inner petals), sur-
themselves in their own rounding six filaments holding six anthers. In
excrement. double-flowering varieties, the anthers and
Currently, there are filaments fuse together naturally as a type of
no pesticides regis- mutation, becoming petal-like. A new dou-
tered for use in Canada ble hybrid is Yellow Bellies (L. longiflorum
against the beetle. The crossed with an Asiatic), with large, sunny yel-
Manitoba Regional Lily low, pollen-free blooms that wont stain your
Sociey recommends clothing or furnishings. With a tall growing
spraying adult beetles habit (a minimum of 40 inches/1 m), Yellow
with a pyrethrum- Bellies blooms in July and is ideal for bouquets.
based (0.5%) insecti- Double lilies are usually sterile, and blooms last
cide. Regular monitor- longer, Strohman says.
ing, and picking and Another new offering from Strohman is a
squishing adult beetles double Orienpet variety called Exotic Sun,
is a gardeners best with bright yellow, fully double, upward-fac-
defence. ing blooms. A few stamens show off dark con-
trasting pollen. Blooming in August, Exotic
Sun ranges in height from three to five feet (90
to 150 cm).
Kushi Maya, a new cross of L. nepalense
and an Oriental, was created by Dutch breeders,
and has large (10-inch/25-cm-wide), side-fac-
ing, funnel-shaped blooms that are a soft lem-
on-lime with a dramatic burgundy-raspberry
42 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS
centre with dark pollen. Plants grow 40 inches
(1 m) tall and bloom in July and August. This lily
prefers slightly acidic soil in part shade.
Hardy to Zone 4, these unique crosses re-
quire a winter layer of mulch in colder regions.
In spring, once there is no risk of a hard frost,
pull back the mulch so the sun can warm the
soil and the bulb can begin growing again.
NEW PALETTE FOR RELIABLE ASIATICS
Asiatics make up the largest and most popular
group of Lilium hybrids. The easiest to grow,
Asiatics adapt to moderately alkaline or mod-
erately acidic soil conditions. Flowers can be
up-facing, down-facing or side- or outward-
facing. Bloom colours include pristine white,
yellows, oranges, reds and pinks. (Despite
breeders best efforts, there are no blue lilies.)
Similar to the trends we see in colour palettes
for other new garden plants, recently intro-
duced Asiatic cultivars include bicolour blooms,
as well as those that gradually transition from
one colour to another. Must See, for example,
is a new pollen-free, multi-petalled Asiatic hy-
brid that produces blooms that transition from
whitish green to orange. Must See blooms in
July and grows to about 40 inches (1 m).
Breeders are also creating patterning on pet-
als that go beyond the more common speckles
or brushmarks typically found on lily blooms,
often around the centre. A series of Asiatic hy-
brids known as Tango lilies exhibit more com-
plex markings. They fuse together to form a
large area of contrasting colour that radiates
from the centre toward the tips of the petals.
The centre of the six-inch (15-cm)-wide
blooms of Paris Heart, a new Tango hybrid, is
a mysterious black maroon, while the slightly
recurved (or rolled back) tepals and stamens
are a dusky burnt orange. It blooms in July and
August, and grows three feet (90 cm) tall. Both
Must See and Paris Heart are hardy to Zone 2.
GOT SHADE? CHOOSE MARTAGONS
Typically, lilies are sun-loving plants. Gaining
in popularity in recent years are Martagon hy-
brids, which thrive in dappled shade and make
remarkably striking companions to the some-
times less imaginative plant selections available
for low-light areas of the garden.
While the leaves of most lily hybrids are nar-
row and lanceolate in form, arranged on oppo-
site sides of sturdy stems, Martagons are unique-
ly distinguished by whorls of leaves like ballerina
skirts climbing upward on narrow stems.
Blooming in mid-June to early July, the
Photo: McPhoto/SHU/Age
 1 2 1. Kushi Maya prefers part shade and blooms in July and August.
2. Must See has pollen-free blooms that transition from whitish green to orange.
3
3. Tiny Bee, one of the new compact lilies in the Tiny Series.

Photos: 1. Clive Nichols/Gap; 2. Lily Nook; 3. Gap GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 43
 Petite lilies for pots

If you garden where there is no room for the stately lily, consider growing lilies bred for containers. These short-
stemmed beauties, hardy to Zone 3, grow only 14 to 16 inches (35 to 40 cm) tall, but have large blooms.
The Tiny Series from brid lily expert whose prone to leaf burning, techniques that utilize (yellow) and Tiny
Lily Looks, developed family in the Nether- low bud count and thin tissue culture propaga- Nanny (white). Some
by Mak Breeding BV lands specializes in stems, says Kneppers, tion have resulted in varieties sport strik-
in the Netherlands, is growing lilies, says that who is the Eastern lilies with improved ingly unusual colour
reflective of the trend the Tiny Series of short Canada representative performance, more combinations. The
toward shorter, more pot or border Asiatics for Zabo Plant, the U.S. flower buds (up to flower tips of Tiny
compact cultivars, represent a breeding sister company of Zabo eight per stem), Shadow are burnt or-
driven largely by an improvement on the Plant in Holland, one of longer bloom time and ange with dark maroon
increase in the number well-known Pixie Series the worlds largest dis- greener foliage. centres. Popular Tiny
of consumers for (Asiatic), introduced in tributors of lily bulbs. The series includes Poemsdark purple,
whom pot cultivation is 1980 and developed The Tiny Series of Asi- about 25 varieties nearly black centres,
becoming the easiest by renowned Oregon atic lilies includes some with adorable names, dusky pink flower
and most accessible lily breeder and pio- parentage from the including Tiny Double tipssold out quickly
way to enjoy plants. neer Edward McRae. Pixie Series, he says, You (double orange this spring at garden
Ben Kneppers, a hy- Pixie lilies can be but modern breeding blooms), Tiny Bee centres in Winnipeg.

Battling the lily leaf beetle

Lilies are generally The dedicated control in the form of Olds, Alta., under the landscape of its host,
untroubled by pests efforts by research- a tiny parasitic wasp, direction of Ken Fry. and that would not be
or disease, with one ex- ers such as Naomi Tetrastichus setifer, is The goal is to establish in its best interest, so
ception: the tenacious Cappuccino, associ- meeting with promis- T. setifer. we need to find ways of
scarlet lily leaf beetle ate professor in the ing results. Regardless of the tiny working with the envi-
(LLB). However, any department of biology As part of an ongo- wasps propensity as ronment, says Fry, and
reports of the lilys im- at Carleton University ing study, T. setifer is a natural predator, the have the population
minent disappearance in Ottawa, and Lisa being trialled in lily test lily leaf beetle is here to of LLBs at a level thats
from the landscape Tewksbury, research gardens in Winnipeg stay, and gardeners will acceptable to us, even
by this alien invasive associate at the Univer- under the direction of need to continue moni- if it means visible signs
species are greatly sity of Rhode Island, to entomologist Ian Wise toring their lilies. No of chewing damage on
exaggerated. introduce biological and at Olds College, parasitoid will rid the our lilies.

Lily essentials

New to lily growing? Heres what you need to know.

At one time, it was compost. Most lilies small amount of bone- especially in heavy clay hybrids, bloom best in
said the best time to should be planted six meal can be added soil, or increase the risk full sun. Lilies, similar to
plant lily bulbs was the inches (15 cm) deep to the planting hole. of foliar disease such as clematis, like to keep
fall, but most experts and 12 to 16 inches Water in thoroughly botrytis. Water early in their roots cool. Shade
now recommend (30 to 40 cm) apart. after planting. the day so leaves and may be provided by
spring planting. Select Plant more tender lilies, Its essential to avoid petals can dry. The site neighbouring plants,
a location with good such as trumpets and low-lying areas that must be well draining or apply a one-inch
air circulation and Orientals, eight inches may become water- this is not negotiable (2.5-cm) layer of mulch
plant bulbs in soil that (20 cm) deep. logged. Maintain even if you want healthy, (bark chips, shredded
has been amended Place the roots moisture, but avoid thriving lilies. leaves) around the
with organic matter, facing down and the overwatering, as this Most lilies, with the base of the plant.
such as leaf mould and scales pointing up. A can lead to bulb rot, exception of Martagon

44 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS

Martagons dainty pendant flowers with re-
curved petals are suspended from candela-
bra-shaped pedicels that dance like butter-
flies in summers warm breezes.
Sandy Venton, president of the North
American Lily Society, is a Martagon devotee
who grows several hundred in her Winnipeg
garden. Venton says that while some have
blooms that are strongly recurved, similar
to a turban (hence the alternative common
name Turks-cap lily), some hybridizers of
Martagons are beginning to breed for less of
a recurve so that petals show only a slight tilt
at their tips. L. martagon Arabian Night, for
example, has slightly recurved, maroon-red
petals with a golden halo.
Venton says that some hybridizers are also
concentrating on near-black stems, different
colour combinations and longer pedicels that
stand out from the stem like lampposts.
Martagon lilies, hardy to Zone 3, are prolific
Photos: 1. Friedrich Strauss/Gap; 2. Lily Nook; 3. The Lily Nook
bloomers, producing as many as 50 flowers
per stem. Suitable for the back of the border, 2
1
they prefer dappled to deep shade; height
ranges from three to five feet (90 to 150 cm). 3
While Asiatic lilies increase their numbers
yearly, Martagons are more reluctant. Venton
1. Matrix, a dwarf Asiatic
increases her collection through a propagation
lily, growing at the base of
method called scaling. Venton snaps off four or
taller Asiatic lilies.
five scales (the overlapping, fleshy leaves at-
2. Paris Heart, hardy
tached to the stem axis of the lily bulb, known
to Zone 2, has six-inch
as the basal plate) and places them in a small
(15-cm)-wide blooms.
plastic bag with a small amount of moistened,
3. Yellow Bellies, a new
sterile potting medium. She stores the bag for
double-flowering variety.
three months in a cool, dark closet, followed
by three months in a warm location, usu-
ally on top of a hot water tank or refrigerator.
Once small bulblets begin forming, they can be
planted into the ground.
FOR SOURCES, SEE PAGE 61.
GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 45
Non-invasive Korean
feather reed grass has
attractive silvery pink
seed heads in fall.

46 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS

AUTUMN
EPILOGUE
Far from being the final chapter, fall brings out the best in late-blooming
perennials and extends your gardens captivating story.
BY JUDITH ADAM

HEN THERES A CHILL IN THE AIR and the sun is following a

noticeably lower arc, the shorter days of autumn are upon us.
What a pleasure it is to slip into a heavy sweater and tour the
garden, hot mug in hand, on a cool morning when the scent of
chrysanthemums is sharp in the air.
A selection of late-summer to fall-blooming perennials
come into their finest hours in lower temperatures, extending
the seasonal display, even through several nights of light frost.
The jewel tones of late asters and swaying clumps of bloom-
ing grasses are invitations to look for more treasures that are
just beginning to show their best colours. You wont hesitate
to brave the chill when tall stands of Honorine Jobert Japa-
nese anemone and James Compton baneberry are enticing
the remaining bees. And who can resist when brilliant patches

Photo: Carol Sharp/Age GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 47

 of Vivid obedient plant and Alert Michael-
1
mas daisies are winking at you across the beds?
2
Autumn, in essence, is your gardens epilogue.
3
Our gardens are often filled with spring and
early-summer plants, but by midsummer,
they turn mostly green through autumn. Your
1. Happy Days dwarf
current plant collection might include sum-
perennial sunflower
mer perennials like phlox, coneflowers and
2. Vivid obedient plant
rudbeckias that just barely make it through the
3. Sea lavender
first week of September. Whats needed are
late-blooming perennials that will continue
right up to first frost, like monkshood, hybrid
Fireworks goldenrod and Blood Brothers compelling after several years in the beds. Pot
red switch grass, which requires cold nights to
deepen its burgundy-red-tipped blades.
Whether you think of an autumn display as
an extension of the summer garden or an en-
tirely new season with character of its own, it
48 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS
all relies on planning. One approach is to fill in
gaps with autumn colour now; another is to
develop a design strategy for a fall garden next
spring.
FILLING GAPS WITH AUTUMN COLOUR
Its easy to admire late-blooming beauties, but
where are you going to put them? Presumably
the garden is already packed with the objects of
your many desires and space is at a premium.
Begin by editing your plant collection, lift-
ing those that have never done well or are less
them up and offer them as gifts to friends or
donate them to plant society sales tables.
Now youve made some space where au-
tumn plants can fill the holes. If the summer is
already half over, youll notice garden centres
Photos: 1. Walters Gardens; 2. Nikola Stocken; 3. Dianna Jazwinski /Gap
18 fall-blooming perennials

Arendsii (Aconitum carmichaelii Striking violet-blue hooded flowers on tall stems with fern-like foliage; may Zone 3
monkshood [Arendsii Group] require staking; all parts are toxic. Sun to part shade; 5 x 2 feet (150 x 60 cm)
Arendsii)
James Compton (Actaea simplex Slender spires of reddish-purple stems with scented, bottle brush-type Zone 4
baneberry [Atropurpurea Group] white flowers. Sun to part shade; 3 x 2 feet (90 x 60 cm)
James Compton)
Honorine (Anemone hybrid Branching stems of poppy-like flowers with golden centres; requires Zone 6
Jobert Japanese Honorine Jobert) consistently moist soil. Sun to part shade; 3 x 2 feet (90 x 60 cm)
anemone
Alert (Aster novi-belgii Alert) Dwarf form with crimson-red double flowers; grow in consistently moist soil Zone 4
Michaelmas daisy to discourage mildew; pinch stems back in June to maintain cushion form.
Sun to part shade; 12 x 18 inches (30 x 45 cm)
Snowbank (Boltonia asteroides var. Tall and bushy with grey-green foliage and generous drifts of clear white, Zone 5
false aster latisquama Snowbank) golden-eyed daisies; pinch in midsummer to keep plants compact.
Sun to part shade; 36 x 30 inches (90 x 75 cm)
Korean feather (Calamagrostis Upright, narrow ornamental grass; leaves turn yellow in fall; silvery pink Zone 5
reed grass brachytricha) flowerheads fade to creamy white; attractive in winter; non-invasive.
Sun to part shade; 4 x 2 feet (120 x 60 cm)
Double-flowered (Eupatorium canna- An upright dense clump of reddish stems and masses of long-lasting, Zone 3
hemp agrimony binum f. cannabinum mauve-lilac double blossoms. Sun to part shade; 3 x 2 feet (90 x 60 cm)
Flore Pleno)
Fuego (Helenium autumnale A compact plant with orange daisy-like petals surrounding a gold centre Zone 4
fall helenium Fuego [Mariachi halo and brown cone; prefers consistently moist soil. Sun to part shade;
Series]) 20 x 24 inches (50 x 60 cm)
Happy Days (Helianthus Upright mounds of strong stems holding masses of golden yellow daisies Zone 5
dwarf perennial Happy Days) with anemone-style double centres; prefers consistently moist soil; rabbit
sunflower resistant. Sun; 2 x 2 feet (60 x 60 cm)
Happy Returns (Hemerocallis Happy An everblooming daylily (May until frost) with soft yellow flowers. Sun to part Zone 3
daylily Returns) shade; 16 x 24 inches (40 x 60 cm)
Sea lavender (Limonium platyphyllum) A low rosette of leathery green leaves with wiry stems of cloud-like small, Zone 3
white to pale blue flowers; cut stems just as flowers open for dried
arrangements; tolerates heat and drought. Sun; 2 x 2 feet (60 x 60 cm)
Blood Brothers (Panicum virgatum Vase-shaped mound of green-blue leaves tipped with red; colour Zone 5
red switch grass Blood Brothers) deepens in autumn; small reddish flowers develop into tan seed heads.
Sun; 4 feet x 32 inches (120 x 80 cm)
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) Bushy clumps of grey-green scented foliage; branched spikes of violet-blue Zone 5
flowers; accepts a hot site; prune in spring to no lower than six inches
(15 cm) above ground. Sun; 3 x 2 feet (90 x 60 cm)
Vivid obedient (Physostegia virginiana Tall spikes of vivid pink florets arranged in articulated lines (individual Zone 3
plant Vivid) florets can be moved and will stay in place); can be aggressive in wet soil.
Sun to part shade; 2 x 2 feet (60 x 60 cm)
Herbstsonne (Rudbeckia laciniata Bushy clumps of tall stems; large, golden yellow flowers with reflexed petals Zone 3
coneflower Herbstsonne) and tall yellow-green cones. Sun to part shade; 5 x 3 feet (150 x 90 cm)
African Sunset (Sedum telephium Mahogany-red stems and succulent foliage on bushy mounds; clusters Zone 4
autumn [Atropurpureum Group] of bright cherry-red flowers are held above the leaves. Sun to part shade;
stonecrop African Sunset) 20 x 24 inches (50 x 60 cm)
Crown of Rays (Solidago Crown Bushy mounds of deep green leaves with generous sprays of golden Zone 3
goldenrod of Rays) yellow flowers; non-invasive garden hybrid; deer resistant. Sun to part
shade; 24 x 18 inches (60 x 45 cm)
Toad lily (Tricyrtis hirta) Arching stems studded with white flowers heavily speckled with dark purple Zone 5
spots; prefers consistently moist soil. Part shade to shade; 24 x 18 inches
(60 x 45 cm)

GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 49

 Add more colour to perennial borders with deciduous shrubs
that shine in the autumn. Left: Rose Glow Japanese barberry.
Above: Gold Flame spirea.

Colourful company from shrubs

A shrub with brilliant autumn colour is an ideal partner for late-flowering perennials.

Brilliant red (Aronia arbutifolia Fragrant white flowers in spring followed by long-lasting glossy red Zone 6
chokeberry Brilliant) berries; scarlet foliage in autumn; prefers consistently moist soil.
Sun to part shade; 7 x 5 feet (2.1 x 1.5 m)
Rose Glow (Berberis thunbergii Compact vase-shaped shrub; pink-purple new growth turns red in Zone 5
Japanese f. atropurpurea autumn. Sun; 32 x 32 inches (80 x 80 cm)
barberry Rose Glow)
Sixteen Candles (Clethra alnifolia Large, fragrant cream blooms in summer; bright yellow leaves in autumn; Zone 5
summersweet Sixteen Candles) prefers consistently moist soil. Sun to part shade; 5 x 2 feet (1.5 m x 60
cm)
Praecox (Cotoneaster adpressus Waxy, dark green foliage; arching habit; red berries and brilliant red Zone 5
cotoneaster var. praecox) foliage in autumn. Sun; 40 inches x 5 feet (1 x 1.5 m)
Dwarf fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii) Fragrant white flowers on a compact, mounding shrub with blue-green Zone 6
foliage that turns orange, red and yellow in fall; prefers moist but
well-drained soil. Part shade; 3 x 2 feet (90 x 60 cm)
Tiger Eyes (Rhus typhina Bailtiger) Deeply dissected yellow, aromatic foliage turns orange and scarlet in Zone 5
staghorn sumac autumn; minimal suckering. Sun to part shade; 5 x 7 feet (1.5 x 2.1 m)
Golden currant (Ribes aureum) Rounded form; yellow flowers in spring followed by edible berries; Zone 3
foliage turns red in autumn. Sun to part shade; 7 x 5 feet (2.1 x 1.5 m)
Gold Flame (Spiraea japonica Dwarf shrub with gold foliage that turns copper-orange in fall; dark Zone 3
spirea Gold Flame) pink flowers in late spring. Sun; 40 inches x 4 feet (1 x 1.2 m)

50 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photos, left to right: GWI Botanic; Trevor Sims/GWI/Age
are offering a selection of fall-blooming peren-
nials, and you can pick up a few and get them
into the garden, all ready for their autumn
showing, which will occur in just a few weeks.
Even a half-dozen late bloomers will make an
effective display and extend your garden into
autumn. Look for plants that are full of vigour,
not exhausted from the summer heat.
A PLANNED DESIGN STRATEGY
FOR AUTUMN GARDENS
If youre beginning this process in spring,
when plant selection is abundant, you can take
a more organized approach to designing a fall
display. Instead of filling occasional holes in
late summer where plants have been removed,
you can consider renovating sections of beds or
larger areas.
A simple and effective formula for designing
for three seasons (spring, summer and fall) is to
group plants that way in the garden. Planting
for three seasons in one location ensures there
will always be something with flowers or co-
lourful foliage on display from spring through
late autumn. Adding one consistent perennial
partner that looks good from spring through
frost (such as a tall sedum or ornamental grass)
helps anchor the design. Where space allows,
Photo: GWI Botanic/Age
a small shrub with colourful autumn foliage Unlike other sumacs,
adds substance to the grouping. (See Colour- Tiger Eyes suckers
ful Company From Shrubs.) minimally. Its deeply
In my garden, one sunny corner of a pe- dissected foliage is
rennial bed includes a spring-blooming hel- aromatic in autumn.
lebore, summer-blooming Blue Fortune
agastache and fall-blooming Royal Ruby
Michaelmas daisy. The blooming sequence of
the three plants slightly overlap as the seasons
change, and is enhanced with a Karl Foerster
feather reed grass that consistently looks good
through all three phases, and a shrub-form
Japanese maple. In a part-shade location, a
possible trio could be cream-blotched Vic-
torian Brooch lungwort (spring), chartreuse
yellow August Moon hosta (summer) and
purple-spotted toad lily (fall), with Sweet
Tea heucherella the consistent partner con-
tributing vivid amber to cinnamon foliage
through the three seasons.
Climate affects gardens in every season,
and the current weather pattern has given us
some long autumn stretches when we can ap-
preciate a new palette of plants coming into
bloom. If were smart, well take advantage of
the eight weeks from mid-September through
mid-November to put a new face on the final
chapter of a terrific growing season.
GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 51
When it comes to providing shelter and sustenance for birds,
dont just wing it. Grow a mix of their favourite plants with
feeders as an added attraction.
BY KAREN YORK

WHETHER THEYRE PERMANENT RESIDENTS OR JUST PASSING THROUGH, birds bring American red robins
life, colour and music to the garden. And theyre one of the best pest-control helpmates are the first birds we
a gardener can have. Here are a dozen frequent visitors to Canadian gardens, along with hear in our gardens in
suggestions for food and lodging to encourage them to stay awhile. the morning. They love
to splash and bathe in
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH AMERICAN ROBIN birdbaths and ponds.
Theres no missing the brilliant yellow of the One of the first birds you hear in the morn-
male goldfinch, set off by his jet-black cap ing and the last at night, the American robin
and wings. In the fall, though, he moults his is North Americas largest thrush. Robins lay
golden feathers and dons a buff-olive win- up to three clutches of their pretty blue eggs a
ter coat much like the females. Food-wise, year, though only about 25 per cent of fledg-
its all about seeds for goldfinchesany oc- lings survive. While often spotted hunting
casional insect intake is inadvertent. In fact, earthwormsaptly, a flock is called a worm
goldfinches breed later than most birds, of robinstheyre mainly fruit and berry eat-
waiting until milkweed, thistles and grass- ers. A garden with a mix of fruit-bearing trees
es have gone to seed, ensuring a good food and shrubs is appreciated, but the biggest draw
supply. They also use the fluffy part of the is water, be it birdbath or pond, where they
seed heads to line their nests. Attract these will vigorously splash, bathe and drink.
vegetarians with tube feeders filled with
their favourite nyjer seed (a.k.a. niger or BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
thistle seed). A dapper and chatty little bird, the black-

52 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS

A male American goldfinch heads in for a meal of goldenrod seeds. Goldfinches prefer
seeds over insects, and use fluffy seed heads to line their nests.

Photos, left to right: CSP birdphotos/Age; Mother-Daughter Press/Age GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 53
capped chickadee is known for its distinc-
tive song, described as fee-bee or hey
sweetie, as well as its chicka-dee-dee
call (the number of dee notes increases
when an alarm is being sounded). Both the
black-capped chickadee and its western
cousin, the chestnut-backed chickadee,
acrobatically forage for insects and seeds
and are common visitors to backyard feed-
ers. In the fall, they cache food in numer-
ous hiding places, recalling the locations
weeks later. To help these little guys get
through winter, put out high-fat nuts, suet
and seeds, especially sunflower seeds.
BLUE JAY
One of Canadas most recognized birds
(and not just to baseball fans), the blue
jay is handsome, clever and highly social.
The striking blue colour comes from light
refracted by their feathers internal struc-
ture, not from pigments; crush a feather
and the colour disappears. Members of the
crow family, blue jays occasionally prey on
songbird eggs and nestlings, but their main
diet features insects (they devour tent cat-
erpillars), grains and nuts. Indeed, their
fondness for acorns is credited with help-
ing to spread oak trees after the last gla-
cial period, according to the Cornell Lab
of Ornithology. They will flock to feeders,
especially if offered cracked corn, peanuts
and sunflower seeds.
CEDAR WAXWING
Sleek and striking, the cedar waxwing
sports a cape of grey and brown, a jaunty
black mask, a yellow-dipped tail and wee
waxy red droplets on its wing tips. Theyre
very social birds, seen in flocks year-
round. They nosh on protein-rich insects
in the summer but are primarily fruit eat-
ersfrom strawberries, serviceberries and
mulberries to the fruit of dogwood, moun-
tainash and cedar (hence their name)
and may even become intoxicated by
overindulging in fermented berries. Grow
fruiting trees and shrubs, set out chopped
apples, raisins and currants, and provide
water (all that fruit makes them thirsty).
COMMON REDPOLL
These small red-capped birds are deni-
zens of the Arctic tundra and can survive
temperatures as low as -54C, sometimes
tunnelling into the snow at night for in-
54 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS
sulating warmth. They breed in the north in
the summer, migrating south in the winter in 1 2
large chattering flocks to forests, fields and
backyards across Canada. Redpolls eat a lot of
seeds, especially alder and birch, and are par- 3 4
tial to millet and nyjer seeds at feeders. Theyll
take advantage of a good supply by packing
seed into stretchy pouches in their throats, 1. Blue jays devour tent
carrying it off to eat later. caterpillars and other
insects.
DARK-EYED JUNCO 2. Common redpolls
This medium-sized sparrow is commonly breed in the Arctic tundra.
seen flicking its white tail feathers as it flits 3. Dark-eyed juncos
through the shrubbery. The rest of its color- scratch through leaf litter
ation, however, varies across the country, looking for seeds and
from slate grey to grey-and-pink to reddish insects.
brown, with white tummies and sometimes 4. Fruit may be the cedar
wing bars. Juncos hop and scratch through waxwings preferred
the leaf litter for seeds and insects, and usual- snack, but protein-rich
ly nest on or close to the ground, too, though insects also appeal to
around houses they may choose a hanging them in the summer.
basket or light fixture. They adore weed and
grass seeds, and favour millet at feeders, but
will happily clean up any fallen seeds below.
DOWNY WOODPECKER
Youll probably hear the downy woodpecker
before you see it: it drums loudly on wood
or metal instead of singing. And yes, it drills
holes in trees searching for insects or creating
a nesting cavity, but does so quite quietly. The
smallest North American woodpecker, the
black-and-white downy has the same chisel-
shaped bill for drilling, wide pelvic bones for
climbing and long barbed tongue for catch-
ing insects (including many pests) as its larger
brethren. Berries, acorns and grains make up
about a quarter of its diet, and it is common at
feeders, showing a fondness for black oil sun-
flower seeds, nuts and suet.
EVENING GROSBEAK
A large, plump finch twice the size of a gold-
finch, the evening grosbeak lives up to its
name with a prominent, cone-shaped beak
that turns bright green in spring, perfectly
matching the fresh new growth of spruce
trees, where grosbeaks often nest. In addi-
tion, spruce budworm larvae are among its fa-
vourite foods, making it one of Canadas most
beneficial birds. Otherwise, its menu is mostly
fruit and seeds, particularly conifer. Feeders
full of sunflower seeds are grosbeak magnets,
but be prepared for frequent refills if a gross Photos: 1. Carl Reader/Age
2. H. Duty/Blickwinkel/Age
of grosbeaks arrivesone bird can eat close to 3. Jack Milchanowski/Age
a hundred seeds in just five minutes! 4. George Ostertag/Age
GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 55
NORTHERN CARDINAL
Looking dashing in the snow, the 1
northern cardinal in his Mountie scar-
let is a fixture on Christmas cards. Much
as we in the Great White North would 2
like to claim him, the cardinals range
is only just into southeastern Canada,
though it is expanding westward into 1. A male downy
Manitoba and eastward into Newfound- woodpecker, the smallest
land, thanks in part to backyard feed- woodpecker species in
ers. Both male and female cardinals North America.
sing and whistle, adding to their appeal. 2. A red-breasted
Although they do eat beetles, cicadas, nuthatch assuming his
snails and flies, their main diet is fruit usual upside-down
and seeds. A mix of fruiting shrubs will position.
attract them, as will feeders stocked
with sunflower seeds and peanut hearts.

RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH
Not caring which way is up, the red-
breasted nuthatch busily creeps up,
down and sideways, winkling insects
out of tree bark. The nuthatchs size be-
lies its strength: the females, with some
help from hubby, excavate holes in
trees for their nests (unlike the white-
breasted nuthatch, which uses existing
cavities). Once the nest is built, they ap- DID YOU
ply sticky conifer resin around the en-
trance, presumably to deter predators.
KNOW?
In the winter, red-breasted nuthatches
eat mostly conifer seeds, along with Bird Canada
sunflower seeds, suet and peanuts from (birdcanada.com) lists
feeders, often taking the largest seed or 426 Canadian bird
nut, then cleverly wedging it into a tree species, 16 of which
bark crevice and hammering it open. are owls. Canada is
also home to millions
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD of migrating birds that
Tiny but formidable, a male ruby- appear in the spring to
throated hummingbird weighs about nest and reproduce,
as much as 2 paper clips. Iridescent before heading south
throat flashing, he puts on amazing dive in the fall.
displays, rising 50 feet (15 m) in the air
and zooming down, then stopping on
the proverbial dime. Its no surprise
that collectively, hummingbirds are
called a shimmer, a glittering or a
hover. They relish the nectar of tubu-
lar scarlet or orange blooms, including
bee balm, trumpet vine, fuchsias and
honeysuckle, with sides of small insects
and spiders. Set out hummingbird feed-
ers filled with uncoloured sugar water,
and observe them up close before they
depart for their tropical winterlude. Photos: 1. Kenneth Whitten/Age
2. Carl Reader/Age

56 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS

THE ABCs OF AVIAN B&Bs SMORGASBORDS
FOR BIRDS
Like any good host, youll please the most visitors if you offer
plenty of food, drink and comfy lodgings.

FOOD Specially designed for SHELTER 12 trees that provide plentiful

The varied menus of hummingbirds. Trees, shrubs and fruit and seed for birds:
birds feature fruit, nuts, There are many seeds hedges, particularly
Fir (Abies spp. and cvs.)
seeds, berries, nectar and seed mixes avail- conifers, offer birds
and insects, includ- able. Sunflower seeds, sheltered sites for roost- Alder (Alnus spp. and cvs.)
ing many pests, so its both striped and black ing and nesting. Thorny Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp. and cvs.)
important to supply a oil, are popular with plants will deter preda-
Birch (Betula spp. and cvs.)
diverse garden buffet many birds, but try to tors, and evergreens of-
from season to season. cater to your visitors fer a year-round refuge. Hackberry (Celtis spp. and cvs.)
Planting a mix of preferences. Be aware In fall, collect branches Dogwood (Cornus spp. and cvs.)
ornamental grasses, that corn and millet to create a brush pile for
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp. and cvs.)
perennials, and fruiting may also attract less additional winter pro-
trees and shrubs, both desirable birds, such as tection (though rabbits Beech (Fagus spp. and cvs.)
deciduous and conifer- pigeons and starlings, will like it, too). Larch (Larix spp. and cvs.)
ous, offers food as well and fallen seed can Rather than dot plants
as shelter (see Smor- draw rodents. about in stretches of Spruce (Picea spp. and cvs.)
gasbords for Birds lawn, create group- Pine (Pinus spp. and cvs.)
for top bird-attracting WATER ings and hedgerows Oak (Quercus spp. and cvs.)
plants). Nectar-rich Birds, particularly fruit using plants of varying
flowers, such as Joe Pye eaters, need water for heights and densities. 10 shrubs and woody climbers that
weed, asters, salvias drinking and bathing. If a tree dies, leave it provide plentiful fruit and seed for birds:
and campanulas, attract Birdbaths come in all standing if you can: it
Holly (Ilex spp. and cvs.)
insects, which the birds styles, from cherub- will house many cavity-
appreciate, while tubu- bedecked rococo to nesting birds. Juniper (Juniperus spp. and cvs.)
lar flowers draw hum- streamlined modern, You can also provide Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
mingbirds. Leave leaf on pedestals or ground tailored accommoda-
Sumac (Rhus spp. and cvs.)
litter in place for ground level. Sometimes more tions in the form of
foragers. In the fall, decorative than func- birdhouses and nest/ Rose (Rosa spp. and cvs.)
resist the urge to clean tional, theyre available roost boxes. A good Elder (Sambucus spp. and cvs.)
up and instead leave in various materials, birdhouse is made of
the seed heads of plants including ceramic, wood, with a water- Buffaloberry (Shepherdia spp. and cvs.)
such as grasses, sedums concrete, stone and proof roof, ventilation Snowberry (Symphoricarpos spp. and cvs.)
and coneflowers. resin (avoid metal). and drainage, and easily Blueberry (Vaccinium spp. and cvs.)
Augment these with Whatever the style, it taken apart for cleaning.
bird feeders, especially should be shallow with Omit a perch: it only Viburnum (Viburnum spp. and cvs.)
in winter. There are sev- gently sloping sides, encourages predators.
After blooming, leave the seed heads of these
eral different types: kept clean (no algae, If you must paint or
flowers to provide food for birds (avoid sterile
Platform and hopper please) and sited in the stain the birdhouse, use
cultivars that dont produce seed):
feeders: Can take any shade far enough away subdued colours (on the
kind of seed or fruit, and from shrubbery, where exterior only), except Amaranth (Amaranthus spp. and cvs.)
appeal to birds of all predators might hide. for martin houses, Bellflower (Campanula spp. and cvs.)
sizes, from chickadees Consider installing a which are traditionally
Tickseed (Coreopsis spp. and cvs.)
to cardinals. One draw- small stream or pond white, a colour the mar-
back is that a lot of food with accessible edges. tins find attractive. Birds Cosmos (Cosmos spp. and cvs.)
gets spilled. Moving water, whether are picky about the size, Delphinium (Delphinium spp. and cvs.)
Tube feeders: Ideal a dripper, bubbler, shape and aperture of
for small nyjer seed fountain or full-fledged their homes, so match Blanket flower (Gaillardia spp. and cvs.)
and little birds, such as waterfall, is a siren song your houses to your Sunflower (Helianthus spp. and cvs.)
finches. for birds (and a mos- prospective tenants, Phlox (Phlox spp. and cvs.)
Suet feeders: Suet quito deterrent). and mount them at the
provides high-fat In the winter, a correct height. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp. and cvs.)
energy in the winter for heated birdbath or an Marigold (Tagetes spp. and cvs.)
chickadees, woodpeck- immersion-style water Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)
ers and nuthatches. heater will keep drink-
Nectar feeders: ing water available. Stephen Westcott-Gratton

GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 57

 BULB-PLANTING

TOOLS
Consider dabbling with dibbers or other bulb-planting paraphernalia
to ease this annual autumn undertaking.
BY KAREN YORK

Dreaming of springtime drifts of crocuses, daffodils and tulips is one thing, planting them in the fall most modern ones are
is another. It can be a lot like work, especially in less-than-propitious weather, but there are a number short (10 to 12
of tools to make the job easier, from simple dibbers to power augers. It also helps to have two people inches/25 to 30 cm),
on the case: one making the holes, the other inserting the bulbs and replacing the soil. Whatever often with a metal
your system, the key is starting with loamy, friable soil so time spent preparing the ground will benefit sheath around the
the bulbs as well as your hands, wrists and back. Good drainage is equally important, as bulbs (with point and a curved or
the exception of Camassia) hate being waterlogged. T-shaped handle that
improves the grip.
TYPES OF PLANTING TOOLS Theyre best used for
planting small bulbs
As with most things, bance; long-handled be hard on the hands DIBBER such as crocuses, dwarf
there are pros and versions reduce and wrists. Short tools Also called a dibble, irises, grape hyacinths
cons to even bulb crouching. require crouching or this tool is basically the (Muscari spp. and cvs.)
planters. Cons: Generally kneeling, though even traditional planting and glory of the snow
Pros: Simple to use; make a hole for only with long-handled stick, a wooden stick (Chionodoxa spp. and
can offer consistent one bulb. Lightweight tools, setting the with a pointed end cvs.).
planting depth; allow planters may bend bulbs and replacing plunged into the soil to
you to tuck bulbs in heavy soil or turf. the soil demands create a planting hole. SHORT BULB
among other plants Repetitive and/or bending or kneeling. Although long-handled PLANTER (A) This pop-
with minimal distur- twisting action can models are available, ular tool looks like a tin

58 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS Photo: Joseph De Sciose/Age

 DOUBLE-HANDLED
BULB PLANTER (D)
Resembling a post-
hole digger, this
long-handled tool
has two blades that
fit together to form a
cone. The point of the
cone is pushed into

A B the ground, then the

handles are pushed
together, forcing the
blades apart and creat-
ing a hole.
Ostensibly, you can
put a bulb into the
cone, and when the
blades are separated,
the bulb drops into
place. But that would
only work in uniformly
soft soil. In heavier soil,
this tool can act like a
post-hole digger: insert
it with the blades open,
then close them to
grab a plug of soil and
pull it out to create the
planting hole.

C D AUGER
This is like a large
corkscrew that can be
can with a handle. The spring-loaded mecha- effective for many LONG-HANDLED attached to a power
idea is that you push nism to hold then kinds of bulbs. Rather BULB PLANTER (C) drill. Most augers make
it into the soil, twist it release the soil. There than using a scooping A heavier-duty version holes three inches
half a turn and pull it are also models with action, it is wielded of the tin-can type of (8 cm) wide and up
up with a plug of soil dual handles, depth like a dagger to pierce planter, this has a long to 12 inches (30 cm)
inside it. The bulb is set markings and serrated the soil, then pulled to- handle as well as a bar deep, so are good for
into the hole and the edges to cut into the ward you to create the or treads that allow you larger bulbs. Longer
soil replaced on top. If ground more easily. hole. This saves wear to push down with your shafts are available
the plug of soil doesnt Some gardeners swear and tear on your wrist foot for more power to reduce bending.
come out easily, you by these planters; oth- and allows for holes and less bending. This tool makes short
simply move on to the ers swear at them, so it of various sizes. Good for planting in work of holes in most
next spot and push the really comes down to You can also use it lawns and heavier soils, soils, but may labour in
planter down; the plug personal choice. to make a narrow this style of planter heavy clay or spin out
will come out of the trench for multiple generally has a longer of control if it hits a rock
top. You can then use BULB-PLANTING small bulbs. Most can, or core remover, or big root. It can also
that on the previous TROWEL (B) bulb-planting trowels making it useful for chew up existing bulbs
hole and continue. A trowel featuring have depth markings, larger bulbs such as or plant roots. Make
Obviating this pro- a long, skinny blade, though they can be daffodils and tulips, sure the auger matches
cess are planters that this is probably the hard to see once the which need deeper the size and power of
feature a plunger or a most versatile planter, blade gets dirty. holes. your drill.

Photos: Garden Making GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 59

BOOSTING YOUR BULBS CHANCES
Besides planting tools, there are other products that help
to protect and extend the life of your bulbs.
Wire mesh and cages
Discourage squirrels from digging up
your bulbs by placing chicken wire
over the planting area, or planting the
bulbs in wire cages (also useful if you
plan to lift the bulbs in later). Where
mice are a problem, use a fine wire
mesh, such as a screen from an old
screen door, over the area until the
ground freezes, when the mesh can
then be lifted.
Bulb food
Bulbs dont need feeding the first
year, as all their nutrients are already
stored in the bulb for next years
blooms. Bonemeal is the tradi-
tional bulb food because its high in
Come Ramble!
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phosphorus, but its not effective in
alkaline soils (with a pH higher than 7)
and may attract skunks, rodents and
dogs. Also, too much phosphorus can
be worse than too little.
After the first year, bulbs can be
fed after flowering with a mulch of
composted manure or a scattering of
organic, slow-release fertilizer with
low nitrogen, indicated by the first
number of the three-number NPK
(nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium)
formulation on the package. Most
important is to leave the bulb foliage
to die back naturally, replenishing the
bulb for next years bloom.
FOR SOURCES, SEE PAGE 61.
TRY THIS
Most specialty bulb-planting tools
make one hole for a single bulb.
Where there is space for a cluster of
bulbs, which are ideally planted in
groups or drifts, use a trusty garden
spade to dig out an area to the correct
depth. Place the bulbs in the bottom
of the wide hole, spacing them as
desired, then cover with soil and water
well.
Photo: James Guilliam/Age
 Sources Rogers Custom
Greenhouse Mfg.

Your guide to plants and

products listed in this issue.

IRRESISTIBLE IRISES
PAGE 5
Botanus, B.C.; 800-672-3413; botanus.com
Florissa, wholesaler of bulbs in Canada; check
Greenhouses & Steel Art
online to find local retailers; florissa.com 519-484-1112 www.rogersgreenhouse.com
Flower Bulbs R Us, Ont.; 888-890-0936;
flowerbulbsrus.com
Veseys, P.E.I.; 800-363-7333; veseys.com

best
SPRING SPARKLERS
PAGE 31
ON THE DOUBLE
PAGE 34
The following companies carry a selection
The
of miniature daffodils and double tulips:
Botanus, B.C.; 800-672-3413; botanus.com
Florissa, wholesaler of bulbs in Canada; email
plant selection
the company to find local retailers; florissa.com
Flower Bulbs R Us, Ont.; 888-890-0936;
flowerbulbsrus.com
Florist and Garden Centre in Niagara!
Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants, B.C.;
604-270-4133; phoenixperennials.com
Veseys, P.E.I.; 800-363-7333; veseys.com Huge selection of perennials, trees and shrubs Tropical palms and plants
MORE TO LOVE ABOUT LILIES
PAGE 40
147 Main St. E., Grimsby 905 945 2219 ZZZFROHVRULVWFD
Lily Nook, Manitoba; lilynook.mb.ca
S-W Gardens, Ont.; 519-692-5580;
s-wgardens.com
Veseys, P.E.I.; 800-363-7333; veseys.com

BULB-PLANTING TOOLS
PAGE 58
Home Hardware, Ont.; 877-940-5081;
homehardware.ca
Lee Valley Tools, Ont.; 800-668-1807;
leevalley.com
Rittenhouse Tools, Ont.; 877-488-1914;
mkrittenhouse.com

40
MORE TO LOVE
ABOUT LILIES

To recommend companies for Sources, please

contact editors@gardenmaking.com

GARDEN MAKING BULBS & BLOOMS 61

Phoenix Perennials You asked us
and Specialty Plants

RARE SPRING If you have a gardening question, please go to gardenmaking.com/

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My lupins were gorgeous this
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ing, I cut the seed stalks down and laid
them out to dry; the pods were still
green. Do I let the pods dry out before
removing the small seeds? If so, can
I plant the seeds in the flower garden
in the summer? Or should I have left
the seed pods on the plants to fall and
germinate wherever they landed?
Marie P.,
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Todd Boland, research horticul-
turist at MUN Botanical Garden
in St. Johns, N.L., responds: The pods
should remain on the lupin plants until
theyre almost black. Once the pods
turn dark, the seeds inside will also be
turning brown. When both the seeds
and pods are dark, remove the entire
flower stem and let it dry. Its best to
do this in a paper bag, as the seeds will
literally explode from the drying pods.
Once the seeds are gathered, store
them in a dry place until the following
spring and then sow them directly in
your garden. Soaking the seeds over-
night will help with germination.
Whats the quickest way to
eliminate periwinkle?
Stephen, Brantford, Ont.,
One option would be to solarize
the area where the periwinkle
If you have smooth hydrangea
viable option if there are no other plants
in the area you want to save, and the
area isnt too large. Solarization involves
cutting back all growth to ground level
and then covering the bed with thick
layers of cardboard or black plastic;
weigh down the edges to prevent the
material from blowing away. This
starves the plants of sunlight and water
(in the case of plastic), and eventually
they die, but it may take a few months.
Another option is to cut back all
above-ground growth, dig out what
you can and do this regularly until the
62 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS
plants lose vigour and die. This is a
manually intensive solution that will
need to be repeated over a season or
two, but its not too onerous. Peri-
winkle, although persistent, isnt as
difficult to eradicate as goutweed
(Aegopodium podagraria) and its
variegated version.
My lovely hydrangea is quite
luscious and green, but doesnt
have a single flower. I have been told
that its lacking phosphate, because my
composted leaves have produced too
much nitrogen and depleted the
phosphate. I dutifully shred all my oak
and maple leaves, and then allow them
to compost. The resulting soil looks
great and I thought I was doing the
right thing by digging them into the
garden, or top-dressing or mulching
the beds with them.
Margaret S., Kingston, Ont.,
Its doubtful shredded leaves and
the resulting crumbly leaf mould
would be a problem for your hydran-
geas. Leaf mould is full of organic
matter, and makes an excellent mulch.
Your hydrangeas may not be bloom-
ing because theyve been pruned at an
inappropriate time. Panicle hydrangeas
(Hydrangea paniculata) require little
pruning, if any. If you do prune, do so
before new growth begins; flower buds
are formed on new wood.
(H. arborescens), it tolerates heavy
pruning in late winter or early spring
(before new growth begins). Stems of
smooth hydrangea can be cut back to
12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) in Febru-
ary or March.
Another reason for the lack of blooms
may be too much shade. Although
hydrangeas tolerate more shade than
many flowering shrubs, they do require
some sun to produce blooms. Also,
hydrangeas like consistently moist
soiltheyre not particularly drought
tolerant.
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GARDEN MAKING . 24 GREAT GUIDE 63
 Nota
bene
THE
SECRET
LIFE OF
BULBS
What you see It was so pure, so sleek, so innocent of face,
above ground yet bleeding at a touch, like a murdered man in
the Blood Ordeal. So wrote Alice Morse Earle
is only half the in 1901 about one of our loveliest native bulbs,
story, especially bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), a spring
when it comes ephemeral from the eastern woodlands.
to native bulbs. Bloodroots chaste white flowers belie its
rather gory name, derived from the fact that its
BY KAREN YORK rhizomes and roots bleed a scarlet juice that
stains so indelibly it makes an ideal dye, as First
Nations people discovered. An early bloomer,
bloodroot cant always rely on insects for polli-
nation (so it self-pollinates), but cannily enlists
ants to carry off and disperse its seeds.
Ants also assist the 20 or so species of Erythro-
nium, which rival a con artist for aliases: trout
lily and fawn lily (referring to those with mot-
tled leaves), avalanche or glacier lily (montane
species that bloom as the snow melts), adders
tongue (the shape of the flowering shoot) and
dogs tooth violet (for the pointy white corm).
Young corms produce fine white threads
64 GARDEN MAKING . 27 BULBS & BLOOMS 1. Judy White; 2. Graham Rice/gardenphoto.com; 3. VisionsBotanical/Age
1
3
1. Trout lily
(Erythronium spp.)
2. Bloodroot
(Sanguinaria canadensis)
3. Camas (Camassia spp.)
called droppers, which spread out, then bur-
row deep into the soil, producing new corms
at their tips. Slowly, very slowly, large colo-
nies can formunless the corms are dug up by
bears looking for a snack. Though they can also
be human fare, I suggest taking a sandwich and
simply admiring the nodding yellow, white or
pink blooms.
Then theres camas (Camassia spp.), whose
luminous blue spires prompted Captain Lewis
(of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition) to
write that camas meadows abloom resembled
lakes of fine clear water. First Nations people
were more focused on the bulbs, which were a
food stapleboiled, roasted, steamed or baked,
becoming ever tastier as the starch turned to
sugars. There was one unfortunate side effect,
though, if they were eaten raw or partially
cooked. As Clark dutifully noted, such a feast
filled us so full of wind that we were scercely
[sic] able to Breathe all night. So think twice
before trying this at home!
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