Planting Bulbs in the Fall

September in the garden center is a real “circle of life” experience. On the one hand we’re celebrating fall, as the mums, pumpkins and ornamental kale start to flood in and our patio is filled with Halloween decor. But just across from the ghosts and witches is a rack of flowering bulbs. These boxes with their colorful flower labels shout spring, spring spring!

Some might find it hard to focus on plants for next year when their Cape Cod gardens are still filled with their summer-flowering perennials, annuals and shrubs. But there are many reasons to pick up some bulbs for planting this fall.

• If you dread the coming of winter, planting spring-flowering bulbs in the fall is a great way to focus on something other than the coming cold season. Think about those flowers that will lift your heart after winter is over instead of impending snow!
• Fall is such a pleasant time to be outside on Cape Cod. Planting bulbs is another way to enjoy our beautiful autumnal weather.
• Many people look for plants such as daffodils, Allium and tulips in the spring when neighbors have them in bloom…unfortunately, many growers only offer these as potted plants around Easter and by the time they’re in flower in the landscape they’re not available. If you’ve been unable to buy flowering bulbs for instant gratification in the spring, make it a point to put some bulbs in now!