In the realm of magical plants and enchanted gardening, one particular phenomenon that has captured the imagination of gardeners and botanical enthusiasts is the concept of "bewitching bulb magic". Bulbs, with their ability to lie dormant underground for months or even years before bursting forth with a spectacular display of color and beauty, have long been associated with magic and mysticism. The allure of bewitching bulb magic lies in the transformative power of these humble underground treasures. Planted with care and nurtured with patience, bulbs have the potential to create a mesmerizing garden scene that can transport us to another world. From the delicate blooms of snowdrops heralding the arrival of spring to the vibrant splendor of tulips in full bloom, each bulb carries a unique enchantment that adds to the overall tapestry of a garden. Part of the magic of bulbs is their ability to thrive in varied environments, adapting and flourishing in different climates and conditions.
Part of the magic of bulbs is their ability to thrive in varied environments, adapting and flourishing in different climates and conditions. This adaptability makes bulb gardening accessible to a wide range of individuals, regardless of their gardening experience or the constraints of their space. Whether planted in pots on a balcony, tucked into a small yard, or arranged in grand display across a vast estate, bulbs have the power to transform any space into a bewitching haven.
Lovely Lycoris, the Bewitching Bulbs, Part 2
In this segment, we’ll take a look at the last four lycoris to bloom in Elizabeth Lawrence’s garden, those that span August to the end of September.
Our journey continues with L. sprengeri, sometimes known as the “electric blue spider lily.” I don’t think that moniker is particularly accurate as the blooms are only touched with blue. (It is unfortunate that marketing departments seem to think everything needs to sound extreme… if one bought an “electric blue” spider lily, and what came up was hardly electric blue, one might be turned off of all lycoris. But I guess there would be more for the rest of us to grow then, right?) I should not be so critical of the common name because the flowers of this lycoris are distinct and beautiful. And, yes, there is a hint of (not so electric) blue. L. sprengeri usually flowers early in August. Its stalks are 14-16” tall, topped with blooms that look like a color saturated version of L. squamigera.
Somewhat “electric blue” buds of L. sprengeri
Still a hint of blue toward the tips of the petals… this is a bulb from Brent & Becky’s planted in 2019.
Photo of a gorgeous stalk of L. sprengeri, courtesy Lindie Wilson. (Now that coloring is more “electric”!)
Blooming a week or two after L. sprengeri is L. caldwellii, or what I like to call blooms of buttery deliciousness. L. caldwellii, or pale yellow surprise lily, is a bit taller (20-24”) with blooms a little larger. In bud, it has a peach tone to it, but once open, it’s like buttah. L. caldwellii is perhaps my favorite as it seems to be very easy in cultivation (it even grows for me in my home garden), and has never been temperamental of bloom, and it glows in the garden.
Lycoris caldwellii… I could slather that buttery deliciousness on some toast!
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Furthermore, the process of growing bulbs can be an enthralling experience in itself. From the very act of planting the bulbs, carefully tucking them into the earth, to the anticipation of their emergence and the magical moment of their first sighting, every step in the journey is filled with wonder. As the bulbs grow and develop, their colors and shapes gradually unfurl, creating a breathtaking display that can enchant and captivate all who behold it. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the allure of bewitching bulb magic lies in the deeper meaning and symbolism associated with these plants. Throughout history, bulbs have been associated with concepts such as renewal, rebirth, and the cycle of life. Their ability to lie dormant underground, seemingly lifeless, only to emerge in a burst of energy and vitality, mirrors the cycles of nature and serves as a reminder of the inherent beauty and resilience in life. In conclusion, bewitching bulb magic is a captivating concept that speaks to the transformative power of nature and the profound impact of gardening on our souls. Through the beauty of bulbs, we are reminded of the magic that can be found in even the simplest of things and the potential for growth and renewal that lies within each of us. So, let us embrace the enchantment of bulbs and create our very own bewitching gardens, for in doing so, we may just uncover a little bit of magic in our own lives..
Reviews for "The magic of hyacinths: how these fragrant bulbs can transform your garden"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed by "Bewitching bulb magic". The storyline was weak and predictable, and I found it difficult to connect with the characters. The writing style was also very average, with no standout moments or beautiful prose. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time reading this book.
2. John - 1 star - I didn't enjoy "Bewitching bulb magic" at all. The plot was confusing and all over the place, making it hard to follow along. The characters were also poorly developed, with no depth or relatability. I was hoping for a magical and enchanting story, but instead, I found it to be boring and lacking any excitement.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "Bewitching bulb magic" fell short of my expectations. The worldbuilding was weak and inconsistent, leaving me confused about the rules and the magical system. The pacing was also off, with the story dragging in some parts and rushing through important moments in others. I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately, it just didn't deliver the magical experience I was hoping for.
4. David - 1 star - I regret reading "Bewitching bulb magic". The writing was full of grammatical errors and awkward sentence structures, which made it difficult to enjoy the story. The dialogue was also clunky and unrealistic, making it hard to believe in the characters' interactions. Overall, I found this book to be poorly edited and lacking in quality.
5. Megan - 2 stars - "Bewitching bulb magic" didn't capture my attention like I thought it would. The plot was predictable and lacked originality, following the same tropes and clichés seen in many other fantasy books. The characters were also one-dimensional, lacking depth and complexity. I was hoping for a unique and captivating story, but unfortunately, this book didn't deliver.