Marilyn’s Garden Musings

“To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.” – George Santayana

An acquaintance who currently lives in Arizona but grew up in a colder climate made the comment that she misses the seasonal changes.

Spring, summer, autumn, winter, which is your favorite season? Each certainly has its separate charms.

Spring brings the renewal of life in the early blooming bulbs, corms and shrubs, and milder but sometimes wilder weather. Though, in order for us to enjoy the beauty of these colorful spring bloomers we must do a little preparation in the fall. One of the earliest and most strikingly beautiful of the flowering bulbs is the daffodil, or narcissus. (Narcissus is the correct botanical name for the genus, daffodil is the correct common name for all members of the genus.) It comes in many varieties and colors, the most common and probably the most strikingly beautiful is the brilliant yellow. Plant some daffodils any time in the autumn months and you will be pleasantly surprised when they put on their colorful display in early spring. They will tolerate almost any well drained soil and will return year after year to put on a spectacular spring show.

Tulip bulbs and iris corms are some other choices for planting in October for mid to late spring bloom.

Good gardening to all and remember: “Faith sees a beautiful blossom in a bulb, a lovely garden in a seed and a giant oak in an acorn.” – William Arthur Ward