Plant a Spring Garden Right Now

I wrote the following article for the Uinta County Herald in October several years ago.  Now is a great time to be planting bulbs and looking ahead to next year, so I'm republishing it here.

Plant a Spring Garden Right Now

Sara's park strip

The leaves are falling, the grass is turning brown, and of course there’s the snow.  If you are one of those who dread the next few months of dreary fall and winter, consider planting a spring-blooming garden right now.  In early spring, when you think the winter drab will never end, brightly-colored crocuses will give you hope.  And when your yard is abloom with tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils, you will be glad you made the effort.

Grape Hyacinths

When gardeners speak in general of planting “bulbs,” they are usually referring to both “bulbs” and “corms.”  While the botanical structure of bulbs and corms differs, planting techniques are the same. 

Purchase your hardy bulbs in the fall, choosing those that are solid and not moldy, soft, or dried.  Larger bulbs will give you a larger blossom for some bulbs, such as tulips.  It’s important to store the bulbs properly until you plant them.  Keep them dry and cool, below 65 degrees.

Daffodils

Site preparation is important before planting bulbs.  Well-drained soil is vital for most, since they rot in wet soil.  Drainage can be improved by adding organic matter, or consider planting in a raised bed.  First, remove all weeds from the garden site.  Then loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches, digging in 3-4 inches of organic material, such as compost.  A slow-release or general formulation fertilizer should be incorporated into the soil below the root level.  Bulbs should never be placed directly on fertilizer.

Double Daffodils

Generally speaking, bulbs should be planted at a depth of about 3 times their height.  If they aren’t planted deep enough, they can frost heave or be easily dug up by rodents.  Mulch with 2 to 4 inches of composted leaves, shredded bark, or composted sawdust.  After planting, bulbs need to be watered thoroughly to encourage root growth.  Supplemental watering may be needed throughout the fall and winter.  In spring, fertilize when shoots are about an inch tall.  After bloom, let the leaves wither and turn brown naturally so the bulbs can build up another store of food for next year’s bloom.

Crocus

Although you might be thinking you are through with yard work this season, decide now to plant a spring-blooming garden.  You will be rewarded with a beautiful yard for many springs to come.

by Sara

'Autumn Joy' - My Fall Favorite

'Autumn Joy' in my rock garden

'Autumn Joy' Sedum couldn't be better named.  I get a thrill inside every time I spy one while driving around town.  They are my very favorite fall-blooming herbaceous perennial.  The succulent foliage is quite attractive in the garden all summer long, but by the end of August and into September when the blooms come on it is absolutely stunning.  Linda has it planted next to purple Russian Sage in her City View Dr. yard, and I really like that combination.  I've got plants all over my yard, but my largest and most brilliant ones are in my rock garden and my drought tolerant park strip garden.  It does best in full sun but can be planted in part sun also.

'Autumn Joy' in my park strip

Autumn Joy is the perfect plant for Uinta County gardeners who want to keep garden interest in the fall when many summer perennials are starting to fade.  It is hardy to Zone 3, drought tolerant and it doesn't take over.  I've read that it is deer resistant, but I've heard a few rumors that deer do like it.  However, I've never had any of mine eaten and I often get the night visitors in my yard.  Maybe I just have too many other things they like for them to bother with the Autumn Joy. 

All of my plants are from divisions and root cuttings.  The root cuttings were quite informal and really just a chance discovery.  I found a bunch of root pieces in the pot that my mom brought me with a couple of divisions in it.  I went ahead and buried the pieces of root around my yard that fall.  The next summer I had little Autumn Joy starts all over my yard.  Most of these root cutting plants are very small because the root pieces were tiny.  If you use a larger chunk of root, you'll get a bigger plant.

Linda's 'Autumn Joy' with Russian Sage

I've read that Autumn Joy comes with different flower and foliage colors.  My favorite is the one in my pictures.  I do have one plant with a lighter pink flower, but it just doesn't give me the same thrill.  So if you are picky, you might want to get a division from a plant that you like or buy one from a nursery when it is in bloom so you know what you're getting.

Here in Uinta County we try to extend the gardening season as long as possible so we don't get bogged down too early in the long-winter blues.  I recommend 'Autumn Joy' Sedum be your first choice for a late season garden.

by Sara