The delivery of bulbs arrived a few days ago, too late to be planted that evening, but the weather was just mild enough (not below freezing) that all were dug in the next afternoon. The planting in the newly cleared area around the sunroom (soon to be designated the treehouse, since the structure is elevated to the mid-level of nearby Japanese maples and dogwoods) is progressing, and a few weeks ago I figured that more early color was needed. A late bulb order was placed, and now I look forward to Ipheion, Chionodoxa, and Scilla (below) flowering before perennials pop up in April.

The planting of the small bulbs was a bit haphazard. Unsurprisingly, the soil was damp and cold, so after the first hundred or two I was hurried to finish up so my fingers could be thawed. No doubt, some bulbs are planted too closely side-by-side, and I could not take the time to assure right side up with some where it’s not so obvious. Still, there are enough done properly that it’ll work out fine. I find that my quality control diminishes as the size of a bulb becomes smaller. And, the lack of digital dexterity was not helpful.

As always, I dug into a few plants that I’d forgotten about, even though these were planted several weeks ago. No damage was done, I don’t think, and since bulbs are continually in danger of being unearthed these were planted where perennials are expected to spread to fill the space. It’s possible that no other plants will be added to endanger the small bulbs, but I’ve said that too many times over the decades to expect that it’s true.

Now, is the hard part. The wait. I wish I could say “it won’t be long” before we’ll enjoy this new area of the garden. I prefer planting with an immediate reward, but that doesn’t work with bulbs. I can’t fool myself that spring is just around the corner, so I’ll wait impatiently, fiddle with the few things I can accomplish, and make more plans for planting as soon as the worst of winter is past.