Blooms That Bring Joy

As I gaze out the window, the dreary winter landscape outside seems to stretch on endlessly. But I know that change is just around the corner. Because when it comes to gardening, spring is the season of promise and possibility. And the key to unlocking that potential lies in the unassuming bulbs and tubers that are patiently waiting beneath the soil.

My earliest and most vivid flower memories involve these hidden gems springing to life. Like the towering Black Dragon lily that my mother painstakingly nurtured into a stunning, almost comically large specimen, earning it a blue ribbon at the Garden Club of Virginia. Or the delicate, spidery pink surprise lilies that she divided from plants passed down through generations. And of course, the cheerful daffodils that pop up around my parents’ house every spring, including the impressive Chromacolor variety developed by the renowned daffodil enthusiast, Bill Pannill, just a few blocks from where I grew up.

As I learned from Garden & Gun, there’s a new mail-order source called Plantgem that’s offering all sorts of interesting bulb varieties to grow in the South. They’re bringing the “unicorns” – the rare and unique flowers that are typically only found at specialty florists, not your average greenhouse. And now is the perfect time to get those orders in for fall planting.

Plan for Pollinator Paradise

While I certainly garden for my own enjoyment, I’ve found that considering the needs of native pollinators and wildlife has added a whole new level of fulfillment. As the experts at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden advise, having a minimum of 70% native plants in your yard is crucial for supporting the specialized relationships that have evolved between local flora and fauna over millennia.

After attending a talk by renowned entomologist Doug Tallamy, I was inspired to transform my own yard into a pollinator-friendly oasis. I started by snapping up some native beauties at the Garden’s Spring PlantFest, including butterfly weed, bee balm, and giant coneflower. These joined a few non-native favorites, like salvia and purple hyacinth bean, which I included because I’m also passionate about botanical illustration.

Watching the air come alive with buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and darting hummingbirds was one of the most rewarding experiences of my gardening journey so far. It made me realize that I’m not just gardening for myself, but for the delicate web of life that surrounds us. And I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to consider who they’re really gardening for.

Spring Planting Prep

Of course, before you can enjoy the vibrant blooms and busy pollinators, there’s the matter of getting those bulbs and seeds in the ground. And according to the experts at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, the best time to plant in the South is typically from late October through December, when the soil cools to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

But before you start digging, it’s important to have a plan. Take some time to reflect on what worked (or didn’t) in your garden last year, and use that knowledge to guide your decisions for the coming season. Scroll through your photos to jog your memory, and think about who you’re really gardening for – whether it’s your family, the local wildlife, or simply your own sense of joy and connection with nature.

Once you’ve got your vision in mind, it’s time to start sourcing your plants. Be on the lookout for native species that will support pollinators and other beneficial creatures. And don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new, like the Amaryllis Neon or Amaryllis Doublet bulbs from Plantgem that I have my eye on. After all, part of the thrill of gardening is the element of surprise!

Bringing it all Together

As I reflect on my gardening journey, I’m reminded of a quote from Benjamin Vogt, who spoke at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Winter Symposium: “Who are you gardening for?” It’s a deeply personal question that can reveal a lot about our values and priorities.

For me, the answer has evolved over time. While I still garden for my own pleasure and sense of connection with the natural world, I’ve come to see my little plot of land as part of a larger, intricate ecosystem. By choosing plants that support native pollinators and wildlife, I’m not just creating a beautiful space for myself, but contributing to the health and resilience of our shared environment.

And as I look ahead to the next growing season, I’m filled with a sense of anticipation. I can already envision the riot of color and texture that will unfold, from the delicate Ranunculus blooms to the towering Peony Kirinmaru. But beyond the visual feast, I’m most excited to witness the flurry of life that will inhabit my garden – the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds that will find sustenance and shelter among the carefully chosen plants.

So if you’re feeling the itch to get your hands in the soil, I encourage you to take a step back and consider who you’re really gardening for. Because when you approach it with a sense of purpose and connection, the rewards will be tenfold. And who knows – you might just discover a whole new world of wonder in your own backyard.

Happy spring planning, and I’ll see you in the garden!