Amaryllis can be planted either in dirt in a pot or bowl or forced on a jar or vase with an opening smaller than the base of the bulb so that it doesn't fall in.  Be sure to leave only healthy roots on the bulb when planting by taking off any completely dried up ones.  You may also need to change the water frequently as it may start smelling.

Amaryllis	Paperwhites	Hyacinths

Paperwhites can also be planted in dirt or rocks in a bowl or on a jar or vase filled with water.  Check the water level in the vase to ensure that the roots are wet but that the base of the bulb is not touching the water.

Hyacinths, like amaryllis, are easily grown in dirt in a pot or bowl or forced on a glass vase or jar.  These bulbs require about 14 weeks of being in the refrigerator or in a cool and dark closet.  Check the water level or the dirt moisture and add occasionally if the water level is low or the dirt is too dry.  Make sure there is NO FRUIT in the refrigerator storage as fruit produces ethylene gas that harms the flower bud inside the bulb. 

Similar forcing techniques can be used with Muscari Armeniacum, Narcissus Tete a Tete and even Crocus bulbs.  These also require around 14 weeks of cooling to ensure peak performance.  Keeping notes about when you planted any of these items and how long they took to bloom in your environment will help you determine future starting dates when forcing bulbs for potential gifts at Valentine's Day and Easter!

Bulbs that are shallowly planted can sometimes fall victim to little critters in your garden that want to satisfy their curiosity.  Sometimes, the bulbs get partially destroyed, enough to be of no value anymore.  Bulbs that are planted 3-4 inches deep are usually safer from this type of destruction.  Following is a list of bulbs that are normally left alone by garden critters and that also naturalize easily:

Scilla Campanulata Blue	Allium Moly	Daffodil Baby Moon	Chionodoxa Luciliae

Scilla Campanulata - these come in three colors - Blue, Pink or White - as well as mixed.  They like full sun but can be grown in partial shade and typically flowers in May.

Allium Moly, Neapolitanum and Ostrowskianum - These alliums prefer full sun and flower in May - June.

Daffodils of any kind, but especially the small varieties like Tete a Tete, February Gold and Bell Song.  These are best planted in full sun or in a wooded area where they flower before the leaves appear on the trees.  They are also excellent for container growing!

Chionodoxa Luciliae have small blue flowers with a white heart.  They are great for planting under the trees or in pots for on the patio and flower in early Spring.

Leucojum looks like a large snowflake, flowering in late Spring.  The more sun they receive, the more flowers you'll enjoy!

Galanthus (snowdrops) have cute little white flowers that bloom in very early spring and light up dark areas.  If you leave them undisturbed, you'll get even more improved flowering.

Puschkinia Libanotica have very light blue to white flowers which bloom in early Spring and perform in sun to partial shade conditions.

Scilla Siberica have blue flowers that appear in early spring.  Great for a wooded area as they do well in partial shad to full sun.

Leucojum	Galanthus	Puschkinia Libanotica	Scilla Siberica

Like most bulbs, these all require good drainage and a feeding of fertilizer at planting time, when they emerge in the spring and right after flowering.  Taking these extra steps will help them reward you for years to come!

If you flowerbulbs that might be prone to being disturbed by garden critters, here are some pointer that will make it harder for them:

• Plant bulbs that are not on their main menu!
• Pay close attention to the area where you plant bulbs and leave it exactly like that when you are done ensuring to pick up any skins that may have fallen off that would indicate to the critters that there may be something buried there.
• Get some chicken wire and place that over the area you planted prior to putting pine straw, mulch, etc over the bulbs.
• Feed the squirrels about 2 weeks before you start planting, causing them used to getting food elsewhere (preferably in a tree feeder so they don't have to hunt for it).  About 2 weeks after planting, you can slowly reduce the extra feeding as the area where you planted will have lost most of the scent (I have had great success with this method).

GOOD LUCK and tell us what you do to combat these critters...we'll share any new ideas with your fellow gardeners in our next issue!

Click here to see their photos.  By the way, Adele and Kathy each win a $20.00 gift certificate redeemable for any items in our catalogs...you can too...just send in your photos today! 

We really have enjoyed getting your pictures for our contest and they continue to be eligible for each month's drawing ...we are looking forward to seeing more wonderful photos of your gardens this year!

For Fall, all orders over $50.00 receive 10 FREE Yellow Daffodils, and, when you sign our guestbook, you will get a 10% discount (not applicable on sale priced items) on your first online order.  Remember to order early to ensure availability and that your credit card will not be charged until your order is shipped!

If you need or want a copy of our Fall 2005 catalog mailed to you, send us an email at info@touchofnature.com with your address and we will be happy to send it to you!

Allium Triquetrum	Daylily Lemon Yellow	Bushel of Mixed Daffodils

After ordering bulbs for your garden, don't forget to make plans and set some aside for your indoor gardening as well.  It is really easy to do with some selected items (Crocus, Hyacinths, Muscari, Narcissus and Tulips) and will create a welcome entrance to your home or bring color to your deck or patio.

We promise to continue to excel in our customer service by confirming your order expediently, notifying you by email when your order has shipped, forward tracking information so you can follow the shipment and follow up with you to assure that your products arrived in good order!