Planting spring bulbs at J.R.H.S

The resource kids at John Rennie planting bulbs with Ms. Sue, Ms. Cathy (not shown)  and me while a sneaky squirrel cautiously steals a peanut.

What perfect weather for bulb planting!  This week at J.R.H.S., the resource kids learned about spring bulbs and how these underground storage organs can only grow outdoors in climates like ours, because they require a long, cold period of dormancy. Together we planted early spring-blooming pink and white tulips (Tulipa Upstar), mid-spring blooming, white daffodils with yellow centres (Narcissi Poeticus Recurvus) and early spring-blooming light purple crocus (Pickwick light purple).    Since bulbs like a sunny site in well-drained soil, we found the front garden to be the best planting spot for them (thanks Ms. Cathy for suggesting it!).  We just hope that pesky squirrels such as the one seen hiding in the photo above, find enough nuts that they won't bother digging up our flower bulbs during the long, cold winter ahead.  If they do get hungry and dig them up, we hope the daffodils (which contain toxic chemicals that repel such critters) will be enough to send squirrels packing.  We  also hope  the early crocus we planted  will provide an early source of nectar for bees and that our spring planting will embellish the entrance to J.R.H.S. next spring.