The first signs of Spring in the garden
Everybody knows bulbs are some of the first plants that bloom in Spring. But while Tulips outdoors won’t bloom for another month or so, lets take a look a some bulbs that bloom in late Winter and early Spring, sometimes when there is still snow on the ground!! Bulbs can be an important part of any garden design, especially when designing a garden that has visual interest in all four seasons.
Crocus is an early blooming bulb, and is one of the first signs of Spring in the garden. Below is a photo of a Crocus Tommassinianus taken on the High Line Park in New York City in the second week of March.
Lets take a look at some of the early bloomers that can add color in March/early April and provide the important function of letting us know that Spring is indeed on its way!
Chionodoxa sardensis, Glory of the Snow,
Crocus chrysanthus ‘Ard Schenk’ (white)
Crocus ancyrensis ‘Golden Bunches’ (yellow)
Crocus sieberi ssp. sublimis ‘Tricolor’ (blue with yellow and white center)
Crocus tommassinianus (blue with yellow center)
The above late Winter/ early Spring blooming bulbs are planted in Fall and bloom in Spring, but did you know there is a Crocus that blooms in Fall? Check out: Crocus Pulchellus, also know as Autumn Blooming Crocus. This wonderfully artful small Crocus bulb blooms in October when many Summer blooming plants are winding down. Plant them this Spring and enjoy the Fall color for years to come!!