There’s something untoward about the term, “forcing bulbs.” I always feel for the poor mistreated bulb: was it bullied? Terrorized? Coerced? That’s why I prefer coaxing. Whatever you choose to call it, forcing bulbs refers to the act of creating conditions that mimic nature’s springtime, confusing the bulb in winter. My favourite bulb to coax […]
Bulbs and Tubers
Guernsey Lily
Phoenix Perennials, a Vancouver nursery specializing in “Distinct Perennials, Fragrant Shrubs, Hardy Subtropicals and the Botanically Intriguing” sent this grey-day-defying Nerine bowdenii (Guernsey Lily) to my inbox. According to their e-newsletter, Nerine bowdenii is perhaps one of the most colourful flowers for the late September and October garden. Nerine bowdenii is the only semi-hardy variety […]
I feel like paella tonight
Did you have any idea that you could grow your own saffron? Saffron is the dried, bright red stigmas of the flower Crocus sativus, which is a relatively easy-to-grow perennial. According to The Farmer’s Almanac, it grows well in Zones 6 through 9. It lies dormant all summer, then pushes its purple blossoms up through […]