Get Your Flower Fix
Spring is almost here - start the garden party with calla lilies
Image courtesy istockphoto
For gardeners, the desire to start planting builds throughout the winter - so much so that the spring gardening catalogues can be overwhelming.
"We are so longing," says Melinda Myers, a Milwaukee-based gardener and gardening writer. Looking through pages of flowers and shrubs is like going to the supermarket when you're hungry, according to Myers, who admits to buying so much on occasion that she's been forced to plant some of her purchases in her neighbors' gardens.
But passionate gardeners can't be completely prudent, says Sally Ferguson, director of the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center/North America, Danby, VT.
"Part of gardening is experimentation. It may be a plant choice or color choice; something you haven't tried before," Ferguson says.
Combining prudence, passion and these days perhaps a smaller allowance for new purchases can challenge gardeners. However, this season's trends allow for both limitations and splurges, say garden experts.
Look for annuals, which provide vivid color throughout the summer, as a way to stretch your gardening budget, says Myers, author of "Can't Miss Small Space Gardening" (Cool Springs Press, 2006).
Start annuals from seed or small plants. Although seeds are more economical, plants started in a nursery provide an instant show.
Myers predicts garden centers will be offering annuals in larger sizes this spring, to give more impact to your yard.
Cutting gardens are also gaining in popularity. Instead of shopping for flowers, bring them in from the backyard. Zinnia, cosmos, aster, baby's breath, dianthus, marigold and cornflower are all fine choices for cutting. You'll also find "cutting garden" seed mixes in catalogues.
Bulbs can also be a good buy because they're perennials, coming back in future years.
This year's exciting bulb offerings are in the lily family: pineapple lilies, also called eucomis, and calla lilies. Pineapple lilies are tall with broad green leaves, peaking in a spike of tiny green-white flowers that resemble miniature pineapples.
Once the soil is warm and your area is past a frost threat, add pineapple lilies to gardens or containers with good sunlight. But don't rush to dig up these bulbs; the dried seed heads have their own charm, Ferguson says.
Don't limit calla lilies to the bridal bouquets.
"They're incredible looking in a garden," Ferguson says.
Mimosa, a shade similar to mango is this summer's trendy floral hue. You'll find mimosa-colored calla lily bulbs in garden stores and catalogues.
Ferguson recommends including yellow- and mango-colored blossoms in your garden because they look great in the summer heat.
Bev Bennett, a veteran food writer and editor, is the author of "Dinner for Two: A Cookbook for Couples" and "30-Minute Meals for Dummies"
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