Tulip bulbs came to life after many years of dormancy

Hello, I live in Toronto. Many years ago – at least 10, probably more – I received a pot of tulips that were blooming. After they finished, I put the pot in our basement, intending to plant the bulbs in…

Tulip blooms are bitten off but not eaten

Hello Folks: We have lived in this house for many years and some of the many tulips I have planted 25 and 30 years ago are still blooming, as are newer plantings. For about the past five years a new,…

Squirrels eating bulbs

Hello. I’m used to squirrels breaking the blooms off my tulips (they don’t eat them) This year they’re doing the same to my various daffodils narcissus, jonquils etc and even my very favourite Fritallarias I sprinkle cayenne or mustard powder…

Forcing bulbs- is it too late in March/April?

I had big plans to force some flowering bulbs this past winter. However, there they still are, in my refrigerator. What could I do with these bulbs, now that it’s almost April? Keep them in the fridge until the fall?…

Bulbs and irrigation conundrum

the companion perennials (planted right next to the bulb) are watered by drip. poor bulbs – they are too . sad … soggy … bulbs…

How to completely remove grass

Hi, I have many perennials in my yard and want to remove grass and weed completely. My understanding is the safest way is to cover the yard with newspaper and mulch for winter time. The question is, do I cover…

Tulips vs Sedum Goldmoss Stonecrop (yellow star)

Hi I planted Tulips bulbs 7 years ago and they have been coming every Spring no problem. Last year, I planted Sedum goldmoss ground cover in that area. Right now, I do not see any sign of Tulips where the…

Growing Tulips: A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide

Tulips (Tulipa spp.) are true bulbs. A true bulb is a structure containing a modified stem in the form of a basal plate, scales or rings, a shoot and a protective, papery tunic. It is a miniature plant containing all…