September 30, 2002

October is the time to start planting spring flowering bulbs. Once the weather cools and we get a couple of frosty nights bulbs can go in the ground. Mid-month is usually ideal. Most garden centers have the bulbs for sale beginning in September. Purchase them early to get the best selection. Keep them cool and dry until planting time. They can be planted up until the ground freezes, but if they are kept too long their quality will deteriorate.
The most popular choices have traditionally been tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and crocus. But in this area the deer eat tulips and crocus before they have a chance to bloom. The bulbs can be dipped in an animal repellant before planting to deter squirrels. And repellants should be sprayed on the emerging foliage in the spring to keep rabbits and deer from devouring them.
Daffodils, which are poisonous to all wildlife, are a better choice. There are hundreds of varieties of narcissus (the group to which daffodils belong) to choose from. With careful selection a sequence of bloom can be achieved with narcissus from March until May. Deer also usually avoid hyacinths, because of their strong fragrance.
There are several lesser known or at least under utilized bulbs that can also be planted that wildlife tends to leave alone. Alliums, camassia, scillas and snowdrops are examples. The snowdrops are the better known of this group. Botanically named Galanthus, snowdrops bloom very early in the spring or even in late winter. They often are blooming through a shallow snow cover. Plant them under trees and bushes or along wooded paths. Deer and voles avoid them. They will multiply, naturalizing freely over the years.
The alliums are from the onion family and have a distinct form in the garden. The flowers are born in clusters that are globe shaped, held high above the foliage. They bloom in early summer in shades of yellow, pink, purple or white. Deer, mice, and chipmunks all avoid the alliums.
Camassia are bulbs that are native to America that bloom in late spring to early summer. They are tolerant of wet sites and are considered deer resistant. The blue or white star shaped flowers are born on tall spikes. The leaves will yellow after flowering and disappear in the summer.
The scillas resemble nodding bells in shades of blue, pink and white. They spread freely when planted in full sun or partial shade. Plant them under trees, in rock gardens or in the front of a perennial border. Scillas look lovely mixed with other bulbs and are deer resistant.
Another bulb that is planted in mid-October is garlic. Select a corner or bare spot in the garden that can be left undisturbed till harvest time (next July). Work some compost or 5-10-10 fertilizer into the bed prior to planting. Separate the heads of garlic into individual cloves. Plant the cloves one inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. Always use garlic purchased from a garden center or garden catalog and a variety suited to the North. Grocery store garlic is usually from a warmer growing locale and may be treated to prevent sprouting. Keep the bed weed free and mulched during next year's growing season. With average watering you will be ready to harvest the heads in mid-July. Once you have grown your own garlic and tasted the difference in freshness, you may never buy it at the store again!
Make sure all deer protection is in place early this month. Trees and shrubs will soon be favored as the herbaceous plants are killed back from frost. Physical barriers are considered the most reliable. Netting can be draped over shrubs or fashioned into a screen with hardwood stakes. Arborvitae, yew and azalea are particular favorites of the deer. Do not leave them unprotected. Spray repellants can be used as an alterative to fencing. Follow the directions carefully, repeating applications as suggested on the label.
Young trees of 2-inch caliper are often targeted by the bucks to mark their territory prior to mating season. Protect these trees now with vinyl tree guards or construct a temporary fence around them. A little time spent now will protect your landscape investment for years to come.

Beth Nardone, botanist, is a resident of Hillsborough and is the Nursery Manager at the Belle Mead Co-Op. Questions and comments can be sent to bethtanical@rcn.com