Tiger Lily Stem Bulbils

Looking to add tiger lilies to your garden?  Well an easy way to is to find a friend who has tiger lilies and is willing to give you some of the stem bulbils.  Bulbils are usually mature in fall.  If you can see roots starting to form at the bottom of the bulbils then they can be harvested.  In Wisconsin you can take them right off the plant and plant them into the ground (about an inch or so).  You can also put them in a paper bag and place them in the refrigerator for about a month.  Then you can start them inside for spring planting.  The plants I have started from bulbils usually take about 3 years before they actually produce a flower.

What's blooming this week

Bergenia

Species Tulip

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Daffodil 'Pink Charm'

Daffodil

Double Daffodil

Bergenia

Start of blooms in the spring garden

Wacky December Weather

The weather in Wisconsin has not been normal.  Last year's warm winter seems to be carrying into this winter.  I realize it's early, and I am not one to complain about the lack of snow.  However I noticed that I had bulbs that were already starting to emerge in the garden.  Then when I visited my parents yesterday, I noticed some of my mom's bulbs were also starting to come up.  Seems the bulbs are just as confused as we are.  Last week Sunday we had our first real snow of the season, but looking outside today you would never know it.  Right now I see green grass and even some pansies still blooming.  There is a chance we could have a blizzard on Thursday, so those wanting a white Christmas might still have their wish granted.

Last week Sunday before the snow.

Monday after the snow.

This Sunday

Colchicum Giant

These Colchicum are gorgeous and always a welcome fall surprise.  The orchid like leaves come up in spring and die off in summer.  The large pink and white blooms come up in fall.  This year with our wacky weather the blooms have appeared at least three week early.

New use for spent alliums

I spray painted my spent alliums and gave them a new life in the garden.  They almost look like something out of a Dr Seuss book!