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By Grace C. Lockwood Everyone is familiar with the - larger bulbs - tulips and daffodils, but there is awealth of smaller and lesser known bulbs that pro- vide bloom from March (some- times February) through. to June, and a few that bloom in the fall. The minor bulbs should be planted in masses as the small flowers get lost on their own, or in a rock garden where they can be enjoyed close up. They should be left alone after planting to spread naturally as they do not have to be replanted every few years like tulips. As a rule, most minor bulbs like full sun. Exceptions ‘are Muscari, Scilla and some tiny Narcissi which flourish in partial shade as well. Do not plant them too deep or they will not flower or even MUPPRENT ? when you can EEE ee Page'22 — Halton Hills THIS Week, Saturday, October'23, 1993 Timely tips help when dealing with minor bulbs grow sometimes. A general rule of thumb is a planting depth of three times the bulb diameter. This will range from 2-4 inch- €s in most cases. The following “are only a few of my favorites in the minor bulb group. The earliest are the Galathus nivalis, snow- drops; Eranthis hyemalis, win- ter aconites; and thé species crocuses. The snowdrops and from the 6” Scilla siberica to the > 18” Scilla campanulata (Spanish bluebells) now classified as }7} Hyacinthoides hispanica because of their resemblance to hyacinths. Both Spanish bluebells and Jy, the famed English bluebells | (Scilla nutans) combine well with hostas, bulbs providing EN = color and later foliage of the hostas cover the dying aconites bloom at the first hint bulb foliage. A recent muscari of spring, usually in March, but G R ACES is Muscari tubergianum. They if you are lucky, occasionally are sky blue on top of the in late February. Amazingly, hardy bees will work the flowers as soon as the: open, seemingly regardless of the weather. Fast on their heels comes the cheery yellow Crocus ancryrensis, silvery chrysanthus blue pearl, tomasinianus, purple and white lady killer and cream beauty to mention a few. Next are the Iris reticulata; these are tiny bulbous iris only 6” high, sweetly scented and come in lovely shades of blue and violet. Scilla species range in size flower spike, navy blue beneath and each bloom is rimmed with a fine, white line. Both grow in partial shade as well. One of my favorite plant groups is the Fritillaria family. They bloom in April/May. The most familiar are the crown imperial fritillarias and the smaller check- ered fritillarias (Fritillaria melea- gris). However, more varieties are available each year. New this year is Fritillaria pallidiflora with large chartreuse (yellow with a hint of green) bells and blue-green foliage. It grows 12” tall in rich soil and partial shade. Fritillaria camschatensis and _ persica Adiyaman have deep purple bells, a wonderful contrast with white tulips, These are just a sampling of the minor and lesser known bulbs. Two excellent mail order houses are Cruikshanks (416) 488-8292 and Gardenimport (905) 731- 1950. : Next time: late spring/early summer and fall blooming bulbs. HALTON HILLS THIS WEEK 873-2254 OWN AN INDUSTRIAL CONDO! For only 9% Down....... Balance at 8.25% for 3 years at 55 Sinclair Avenue, Georgetown. @ 10 x 10 and 12 x 10 drive thru doors @ Some units-have finished offices @ 14 ft. clear ceilings @ Unit sizes starting at 1320 sq. ft. @ Fully sprinklered ™@ 600 volts 3 phase 30 amps to i 120/208 3 phase electrical service Buy your's now by calling Rud Whiting’ at 877-5211 REA => Tor. 874-3051 Suburban (91) Ine: 360 Guelph St. *o& Georgetown * Sales Rep. rT ) RUD WHITING® 24-Hou Paging Service Sales Representative Sammmmmmmmmy |itiiiiiiiitt Bote Open to all ages — 3 prizes awarded 10:30 a.m. — Register at the BIA Office - 116 Mill Street 11:00 a.m. = Parade of Costumes on Main Street South Special Treats for all Entrants! Dress for the occasion and join the fun in Downtown rgetown’ FIND THE ORANGE POSTER AT PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES AND SA TRICK OR TREAT Georgetown Central Business Improvement Area 116 Mill Street Downtown Georgetown 873-4970 "Helping people find their perfect nest!" Call 877-0173 24 HOUR PAGER Residential Real Estate Services Town & Country Properties Division 170 Guelph Street «| Georgetown, Ontario L7G 447 Lene MTT DONNA ROBBINS ROYAL LEPAGE