Red Dirt Ramblings®

Firmly rooted in the Oklahoma soil

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Garden Coaching
  • Travel
  • Contact
  • My Gardens
    • The Back Garden
    • The Potager
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Red Dirt Ramblings®

Firmly rooted in the Oklahoma soil

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Garden Coaching
  • Travel
  • Contact
  • My Gardens
    • The Back Garden
    • The Potager

Planting garden bulbs is an act of faith

11 October, 2013 By Dee Nash

by Dee Nash
11 October, 20131 March, 2015Filed under:
  • Blogging
  • Bulbs
  • Fall
  • Oklahoma
  • Perennials
  • Spring

“It is a greater act of faith to plant a bulb than to plant a tree . . . to see in these wizened, colourless shapes the subtle curves of the Iris reticulata or the tight locks of the hyacinth.”

–Claire Leighton, Four Hedges

Iris reticulata 'Katherine Hodgkin'

Iris reticulata ‘Katherine Hodgkin’ bulbs

I am trying to entice you buy bulbs. Is it working? Maybe this will help.

A photo of Iris reticulata 'Katharine Hodgkin' from my friend, Frances at Fairegarden.

A photo of Iris reticulata ‘Katharine Hodgkin’ from my friend, Frances at Fairegarden.

You can buy a copy of Claire Leighton’s book, Four Hedges, from Amazon in a reprint. Yes, I bought one to read by the fire this winter. The ‘Katharine Hodgkin’ iris is diminutive, but it blooms when you think winter will never end. It is a small, yet mighty bulb full of hope. There are several different varieties of I. reticulata, and all of them I’ve grown are beautiful. I couldn’t find a photo of ‘Katharine Hodgkin’ to share, but my friend, Frances, from Fairegarden came through. Please visit her blog and see the peakness of pink muhly grass in her garden. It’s quite a sight.

While it is still too early to plant bulbs here, it is time to buy. You can refrigerate them if you’re worried we’ll have a warm winter, or if you’re forcing some inside. I will plant my outdoor bulbs in November. I am doing most of my tulips in pots this year like this lasagne method by Sarah Raven with further instructions on her website. Carol Klein pots up her tulips at Glebe Cottage too. I’m layering mine with ‘Peppermint’ Muscari. For those of you follow my wanderings on Pinterest, you may have noticed I went on a bit of a terracotta binge recently. I was trying to find terracotta nursery pots for the greenhouse along with those lovely pots Sarah used in her video. Sadly, I couldn’t find terracotta longtom pots in a large size in the U.S. Although Oklahoma is far too hot for terracotta in summer here–except for growing succulents–it is great in spring and fall.

Italian terracotta containers I found at TLC Nursery in OKC.

Italian terracotta containers I found at TLC Nursery in Oklahoma City.

My Pinterest board reflected my hunt for Italian pots like the ones above. Just when all hope was lost, I found some yesterday at TLC Nursery in Oklahoma City. I was quite surprised. I found several containers with rolled edges, and for decent prices too. I’m still on the lookout for larger Italian terracotta containers so let me know if you find any. I’m not buying anymore of the Mexican terracotta pots.They are a disappointment. Even with shelter, they’ve cracked after a couple of seasons. Sometimes, cheap isn’t better.

I’ll do up my bulb containers in a couple of weeks and place the pots in the garage to overwinter. I think I’ll do a quick video if Bear with hold the camera. Bulbs need cold to acclimate themselves and do their thing. I am planting tulips in pots for several reasons. My family is plagued with osteoarthritis, and although young, I am already suffering the effects in my hands. Digging in cold soil to plant tulips as annuals seems crazy to me this fall. Also, tulips don’t last here past a season, and while I’ve tried every variety, even the species type, I’ve been disappointed in a lack of return. Finally, I want to amass color, and pots are always a great way to call attention to anything you’re growing. Think of them as the high heels of gardening. They hold up your subject and show it in their best light.

I potted up yellow mums in three terracotta containers in the shady front border. Their sunshine hue brightens the space and makes me glad.

Three terracotta pots with yellow mums brighten a dark corner.

Three terracotta pots with yellow mums brighten a dark corner. Soon the Japanese maple and dogwood will change color, and this border will come alive.

So, while I enjoying fall, I’m also thinking ahead to spring. Have you ordered your bulbs yet? If not, you better hurry. I see several of the companies beginning to sell out. It would be a shame to greet spring without a daffodil or ten, don’t you think?

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related

Tagged:
  • Containers
  • spring bulbs

Post navigation

Previous Post Hawaii’s Secret Getaway Spots
Next Post Trail Running for Beginners

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. PlantPostings says

    15 October, 2013 at 8:04 am

    OK, you may have convinced me. I remember seeing several stunning posts about ‘Katherine Hodgkins’ Irises during the past few years, and I did fall in love. Several of the posts were on Layanee’s blog, Ledge and Gardens. And your idea to plant them in pots is compelling. Time to go shopping…

    • Dee Nash says

      15 October, 2013 at 10:44 am

      They are quite tiny so plant them at the front of the bed or on top of a lasagna bulb planting maybe with daffs and tulips?

  2. Donna@Gardens Eye View says

    14 October, 2013 at 11:32 am

    I ordered some staples for increasing the naturalization of tried and true early bulbs. I love Katherine and all dwarf iris.

    • Dee Nash says

      15 October, 2013 at 10:46 am

      I did also Donna. I like how they multiply in the beds and out.

  3. Carolyn says

    12 October, 2013 at 10:58 pm

    Oh I do need something that will bloom when I think Winter will never end. Our Winters are like that and then some. And thanks for the reminder that it’s time to pot up the bulbs. I do enjoy a pot of Spring blooms on the porch in Spring.

    • Dee Nash says

      15 October, 2013 at 10:42 am

      You are so welcome. When you make your choices, please let me know. I love to hear about others’ ideas.

  4. Robin says

    12 October, 2013 at 10:19 pm

    I’ve got some double tulips headed my way, and I’ve never tried the container method of planting them. Hmmm…

    • Dee Nash says

      15 October, 2013 at 10:44 am

      Robin, it would be so pretty I bet. Double tulips bloom late here, and they are a welcome addition to the garden for sure.

  5. Rosemarie says

    11 October, 2013 at 6:54 pm

    I never knew there was such a thing as an Italian terra cotta pot, but a few years ago I scored a terra cotta pot for 25 cents at a garage sale and it’s made in Italy and is my prettiest of all my pots. It had like a patina to it.

    • Dee Nash says

      15 October, 2013 at 10:45 am

      Rosemarie, that is such a wonderful story. I bet it does have a lovely patina.

  6. Helen says

    11 October, 2013 at 1:24 pm

    I adore bulbs more and more each year, I have some direct in the borders especially narcissus as they are toxic so should be attractive to rodents. I
    Also grow tulips in pots as well as various iris reticulata. I put some pots in the greenhouse which is frost free and some in cold frame and that way I can stagger the flowering

    • Dee Nash says

      11 October, 2013 at 4:40 pm

      I adore them too. I think they are the harbingers of spring and without them and hellebores, I don’t know what I’d do. Add to that spring blooming trees and shrubs.

  7. sandy lawrence says

    11 October, 2013 at 1:04 pm

    One of the problems with terracotta pots made in Mexico is that they aren’t fired hot enough. Pots from Oaxaca are an exception and are fine pots, but not cheap. There may be other areas of Mexico that turn out superior pots. A trick I learned from other gardeners while living in Mexico is to paint the inside of the cheaper terracotta articles with 2 – 3 coats of asphalt paint. Paint up to where the soil will stop. I also painted the outside bottoms of mine for good measure. Let the asphalt paint dry well between coats. The pots will last a very long time. Finally, the lip will crumble, but the pot will still be intact. Don’t ask me why but the plants seem to thrive and flourish with that asphalt paint around them.

    • Dee Nash says

      11 October, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      Sandy, that’s very interesting. Thanks for sharing your experience. I also appreciate you stopping by.

  8. Gail says

    11 October, 2013 at 12:10 pm

    I am convinced! Thank you, I shall go press buy on the Tommies! xoxo

    • Dee Nash says

      11 October, 2013 at 4:44 pm

      Oh, I’m so glad!!!!

  9. Anonymous says

    11 October, 2013 at 11:55 am

    There is no other act of gardening that requires more faith than the planting of bulbs. No immediate gratification, not even a few weeks delay for said happiness, but rather months and months of waiting! I was happy to oblige with the iris photo, my friend, and thank you for the linkage. Katharine is a real looker, especially when backlit, but be warned, she is quite short and can be overwhelmed by her neighbors. I believe she would look great in one of those mighty fine terracotta pots, in fact, with a gravel mulch.

    • Dee Nash says

      11 October, 2013 at 4:45 pm

      Yes, so true. I almost wrote about her small stature and how early spring is the perfect time because she doesn’t have much competition. Thanks for mentioning it.

  10. Patrick's Garden says

    11 October, 2013 at 11:47 am

    Put in some big orders this year. 400 Colorblends tulips and 100 daffodils where they guarantee at least 85 different varieties. All of paid for by Trinity. Then I’m trying hyacinths and muscari in pots and naturalizing 200 snow crocuses from John Scheepers in the lawn. Should be colorful spring to be enjoyed by residents an visitors.

    • Dee Nash says

      11 October, 2013 at 4:46 pm

      Ooh, la, la, Patrick. I want to see pictures of that abundance come spring. 😀

Trackbacks

  1. Planting garden bulbs is an act of faith - Red ... says:
    12 October, 2013 at 6:48 pm

    […] “It is a greater act of faith to plant a bulb than to plant a tree . . .  […]

Primary Sidebar

About Dee

Hi, I’m Dee, a professional garden writer and speaker born and raised in Oklahoma. Here you’ll find all my best dirt on gardening and travel. Welcome!

Read More

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Subscribe Here To RDR Updates.


* indicates required
Email News
Email Format

Garden Coaching

Garden Coaching

Grow a beautiful and manageable garden with personalized pointers from Dee!

Learn More

Give my podcast a listen!

Our podcast logo! The Gardenangelists.

Search me baby!

Travel

It's time to get the leaves off of the pansies.

It’s time to plan for next year’s garden

9 November, 2022 By Dee Nash

Yes, I know we're all exhausted from the summer from hell in Oklahoma and Texas--or is that just me? But it's time to start planning for next year's dream garden. Trust me, it's time, and who knows? Maybe next Read More

Fun days at the daylily national convention

16 July, 2022 By Dee Nash

For July's Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, I want to share my visit to the daylily national convention. A region of the American Daylily Society puts on the AHS National Convention each year. Region 15 put on this Read More

Road trip to Yellowstone National Park

28 October, 2019 By Dee Nash

Bill and I traveled all summer. I'm not gonna lie. It was tons of fun, but after getting back from our road trip to Yellowstone National Park last month, I am tired and will be staying home for a while. I Read More

GOW Footer Widget Header

Ask me a question!

Please feel free to ask me a question here or at my email addy: dee@deenash.com.
I’ll try to answer every question and get back to you as quickly as possible.

Contact Us

Footer

Blogs I Dig

  • Clay and Limestone–TN
  • Cold Climate Gardening–NY
  • Dirt Therapy–PNW
  • Each Little World
  • Faire Garden–TN
  • Greenbow–IN
  • Growing With Plants
  • Joanne's Cottage Garden
  • May Dreams Gardens–IN
  • Redeem Your Ground
  • Rock Rose–TX
  • Toronto Gardens–Canada

Red Dirt Sisters

  • Curtiss Ann Matlock
  • The Not Always Lazy W

Follow Us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Let’s bring back the Monarchs

Let’s bring back the Monarchs
For more info about speaking and other work, visit my other website!

Dear Friend and Gardener

Join our virtual garden club and share all summer

Join our virtual #garden club and share all #summer

Disclosure Notice

Red Dirt Ramblings participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and its affiliates.

Occasionally, I also accept some garden items for review. If I review one of these items, I will let you know in the post. Thank you.

© Copyright 2023 Reddirtramblings.com · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy · Sitemap

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
 

Loading Comments...