Fall 2024 Bulb Sale
Our Fall 2024 Bulb Sale is underway!
Why plant bulbs?
Spring flowering bulbs provide an early and dependable food source for many pollinators. They are relatively easy to plant, and don't usually need supplemental water or soil amendments.
Native plants co-evolve with native insects, birds, and wildlife, making them the most suitable for planting. Our West coast native bulbs (corms, rhizomes, and tubers) include Brodiaea coronaria or Crown Brodiaea; three varieties of Camassia, including cusickii, leichtlinii, and quamash (Cusick's, Giant, and Common Camas; Fritillaria affinis or Western Checker Lily; Erythronium oregonum or Giant Fawn Lily; Iris tenax or Oregon Iris; and Sagittaria cuneata or Wapato or Duck Potato.
Why does this collection include non-native bulbs?
While camas bulbs are available commercially, most of our native flowering bulbs are not. For the home gardener, we offer species varieties of bulbs that are native to other areas and the ancestors of hybrid varieties of most flowering bulbs available today. Species varieties produce flowers in shapes and colors preferred by pollinators, while hybrids with extravagant flowers may have too many anatomical changes for pollinators to navigate, or even lack pollen altogether.
How do I plant bulbs for pollinators?
Plant bulbs together in clusters to make them easier for pollinators to spot their flowers. Grouping flowering plants together and including different species allows pollinators to collect pollen and nectar more efficiently. Follow the recommended spacing for best results.
Provide food throughout the entire growing season by selecting plants that bloom from spring to fall. (Future club sales to include summer and fall flowering bulbs.) Different bulbs naturally grow at different depths, allowing for them to be planted in layers to maximize blooms per square foot. Follow the recommended planting depths and plant bulbs in layers.
Plant flowers with a variety of shapes, like tubular, bowl-shaped, and flat-topped, to appeal to a large variety of pollinators.
