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Planting for fall

Yes, I know it is still summer and yes, I know it is very hot out there. But now is the time to be thinking about planting your fall bulbs for spring color. By fall bulbs, I mean tulips, daffodils, crocus, allium and muscari (grape hyacinths).  I have been looking through catalogs and I have also been looking in the Lawn and Garden Neighborhood for some books on bulbs. One book that I found to be really helpful for me is a book by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden on Spring-Blooming Bulbs. This book is small but it is very concise and it gives great information on classic and unusual bulbs for your garden. The other book that I have found to be really helpful is Bulb by Anna Pavord. There is an alphabetical listing with photographs of different kinds of flowers from bulbs and then at the back of the book she gives suggestions for planting bulbs. For example she gives a list of different kinds of bulbs to plant for a cutting garden versus those you would plant for naturalizing in grass.

There are also many resources here in Topeka to find information about bulbs. From our local nurseries to the Master Gardeners as well as the Lawn and Garden Neighborhood here at the library, you will have all the information you need to have a beautiful spring garden next year.

And talking about next spring, If you are interested in a butterfly garden for next year, join me on September 6 from 7:00-8:00 pm in the Marvin Auditorium 101B when the Master Gardeners come and talk about butterfly gardening. I have a very small butterfly garden and although it didn't do very well this year (due to the weather), I am looking to expand it with more plants that are attractive to butterflies. And while you are looking at the bulb section of the Lawn and Garden Neighborhood, be sure and look at the butterfly gardening section too. Happy Gardening.
 
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