Think Beyond Daffodil Bulbs, Says Growing Solutions

Growing Solutions Land Care and Design of Ridgefield has been serving the Greater Fairfield County area by creating and maintaining healthier landscapes since 2002. Co-founder Chris Baliko, Accredited Organic Land Care Professional and licensed Arborist, has this to say about planting bulbs for early spring color: “When we think of bulbs, we tend to think of daffodils for their deer and rodent resistance. As lovely as they are, there are other interesting options. Some are: Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis), which bloom early – even through snow— are a reminder that spring is on its way. Blue Squill (Scilla siberica) may take a couple of seasons to really take off, but it does well under deciduous trees and looks striking when planted with ‘Tete-a-tete’ daffodils. Glory of Snow (Chionadoxa luciliae) are wonderful planted en-masse; they self sow, and create a dense rug of blue-lavender flowers. Crown imperials (Fritallaria imperialis) are an underused bulb in the landscape, as well as Fritallaria meleagris, which, before it opens, closely resembles a snake’s head. For late spring color, the alliums are showy, with huge flower heads, or there’s Allium ‘Shubertii’ for a wispier look. For a different tulip option, try wild tulips, native to Asia and the Middle East, tending to be more deer resistant than the hybridized cultivars. The many cultivars of daffodils are nice but it is good to know we have other interesting options that the wildlife won’t eat!”

Growing Solutions can be reached at 866.476.9765. Visit GrowSo.com.