FALL SHOW OFF

No, I haven't lost track of the calendar, but it is time to think about ordering bulbs of fall crocus, colchicum, autumnale.  As with so many plants, what we think it is, it isn't.

According to the University of Wisconsin fact sheet "Autumn Crocus" is not a true crocus at all, but species or hybrids of colchicum, a group of fall-flowering bulbs in the lily family (Libaceae).  Other common names include meadow saffron, naked lady and colchicum.

These colchicum species are extremely toxic and should not be confused with the saffron used in cooking.  Eating part of the fall crocus can be fatal.  The plant would not be a good choice in sites where it may be nibbled by pets.

The bulbs do have a spring presence, but in their case it is just some strappy green leaves that rise in the spring growing season then die back to the ground by midsummer.  Dying foliage needs to be left in place as that is supplying the bulb with nutrients.

The corms are basically dormant in late summer, which is the ideal time to add to your garden.  Slender buds emerge and open in early autumn.  Since they are "leafless" they are a perfect addition to add to a front of a border planting such as ajuga, moss phlox or creeping thyme.  The crocus adds color and the surrounding plants help support the elegant flower.

The bulbs may be hard to find.  Check with your favorite nursery now and inquire if they will be stocking the bulbs.  Or check an online bulb catalog.  They are worth adding to your list.

Kudos to gardeners who repurpose and then share ideas.  Many of us have unused wire hanging baskets, maybe with the liner or maybe without.  I found an idea for each of them.  

In the example of a basket with no liner, the gardener simply placed an appropriately sized terra cotta saucer in the basket and filled it with bird seed.  A dinner or salad plate would work too, depending on the diameter of your hanging basket.  Hang it from a tree branch close enough to enjoy.

The second idea is more involved with the addition of plants.  Place your fiber liner in the basket and add potting soil, instead of planting inside, plant trailing annuals on the outside of the basket by cutting openings in the liner.  Place a plastic plant saucer of an appropriate size on top of the soil and fill with water for the birds.  The plastic tray is easy to clean if needed and can be dumped into the hanging basket every time the basket needs watering and the tray needs to be refilled.

Peony blossoms are so impressive that you wish they would last longer, maybe for a special occasion.  I read this tip years ago and shared it several times.  The buds can be cut and kept refrigerated for 4 weeks or more and still open beautifully.  

Harvest the flowers when the green sepals have separated on the buds and color is showing.  The buds should be marshmallow soft.  Strip all the leaves from the bottom third of the stems, wrap the stems and buds in plastic bags, and seal all openings with rubber bands or twist ties.  Store the stems horizontally in the refrigerator.

The day before you want the flowers to open, remove the stems from the refrigerator and place theminto a vase of tepid water.  What a joy to be able to enjoy the blooms a second time.