Parade of Homes featuring the best of new homes in Manitoba, Canada
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1481503
POH Consider planting different varieties of bulbs in lasagne- style layers. Different varieties can be planted at different depths — just not directly on top of each other. Add a marker to indicate where your bulbs are so you don't forget and accidentally dig them up. To keep foraging critters from gobbling up your bulbs, add bloodmeal, which animals associate with predators. "Bloodmeal is a good natural-source deterrent to keep animals from digging up your bulbs and it acts as an organic feed," she says. "You can also add some light screen (like chicken wire) just under the soil so animals can't dig past it." Plantskydd Repellent also discourages digging and nibbling of foliage. "It is a natural, blood-based bi-product that when sprayed on any garden plants will act as a deterrent. Animals recognize the scent and perceive it as an unsafe area." Once everything is nicely tucked in, you're almost home- free. "You want to make sure your bulbs are well watered in and have one good soak, which should carry them through to spring. It's important to their survival that they are locked in with moisture on them," Hrycyna says. "And your perennials and trees will benefit from a good soak in the fall, too." A budding trend towards hands-off fall yard care can also benefit your bulbs. Hrycyna says mulching over bulb plantings with healthy fallen leaves takes advantage of nature's own insulator, and cutting perennials more lightly leaves shelter for friendly ladybugs. But you do want to clean up areas around the house and outbuildings. "Those same leaves are going to offer shelter to voles, which can harm your trees and grass, so be cautious. Target your hands-off to your garden and those areas where perennials are a bit more tender." TO KEEP FORAGING CRITTERS FROM GOBBLING UP YOUR BULBS, ADD BLOODMEAL, WHICH ANIMALS ASSOCIATE WITH PREDATORS. Parade of Homes FALL 2022 141