Every experienced gardener knows a beautiful spring landscape begins in fall. Plant fall bulbs now for a burst of color as soon as spring awakens. A little effort while the weather is still warm will pay off in just a few months.
The key to a beautiful spring landscape is lots and lots of flowering fall bulbs. Choose tulips, daffodils and other fall-planted, spring-blooming bulbs in your favorite colors. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil as soon as the weather cools.
Designing a Landscape with Fall Bulbs:
- Gather inspiration to determine favorite color schemes and types of fall bulbs.
- Buy bulbs that bloom early, mid- and late spring to increase total bloom time. Buy more than you think you need for maximum impact. Place fall bulbs in a cool location until it’s time to plant.
- Daffodil, muscari (aka grape hyacinth), snowdrop, crocus and iris are good choices because they come back year after year. Grow tulips close to the house to protect them from deer.
- Avoid the temptation to plant fall bulbs in single rows. For the most natural look, group them in a pyramid, rectangle or circular shape.
- Plant bulbs among ornamental grasses to create a flowering focal point and draw the eye away from sheared grass.
- Choose shrubs and understory trees that also bloom in spring, such as crabapple, dogwood, deciduous magnolia and redbud. Fall is a great time to plant these, too.