Planting Around Bulbs

Last fall, I planted 65 bulbs. How do I go about planting flowers for bloom after the bulbs are done without disturbing the bulbs?

You can start planting as soon as the air and soil are warm enough for the flowers you are adding to the planting bed. Cool weather plants like pansies can tolerate cooler soil and air temperatures while warm weather plants like impatiens do best when planted after both the air and soil are warm (late May or early June for northern gardeners). Leave the leaves on the bulbs until they begin to yellow. These leaves produce energy necessary for next season’s bloom. Use a trowel to dig holes large enough to accommodate the roots of the flowers you are planting. Water in to help settle the soil. Don’t worry if you accidentally dig or slice into a bulb. Replant the bulb, whole or in pieces, for next spring’s floral display.

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