Winter is almost here, but flowers are still near…
As winter settles in Oregon's hardiness Zone 8, freezing temperatures begin to take hold. In an effort to protect our beloved perennial plants, we diligently button them up, covering the surrounding soil in layers of mulch. However, amidst the chill and the frost, the anticipation of spring and the vibrant colors of blooming flowers linger in our hearts.
We find solace in the fact that we have already begun our preparations for the upcoming season. With careful planning, we have planted early blooming Spring bulbs, ensuring that a burst of colorful flowers awaits us as soon as the weather warms. Though winter may be dark and cold, the promise of a beautiful and bountiful garden keeps our spirits high.
This is our second year planting tulip and narcissus bulbs in raised beds. Our first trial at it last year was very successful compared to the cut flower industry standard and our typical growing method of crates or containers. The deeper soil in the raised beds and the additional moisture it was able to retain was a game changer for those early blooming bulbs that prefer cooler temperatures and plenty of rain.
Initially we were concerned that the Oregon rain would inundate the bulbs and inevitably drown them. Thankfully that wasn’t the case! Because of all the rain we received during the winter and spring I didn’t water the bulb beds one single time before I harvested. As our climate crisis worsens, we as farmers will have to continue to adapt our growing practices to best face these challenges. Growing our bulbed flowers in raised beds is one method we have implemented on our farm to conserve water, and so far we are pleased with the results, and so are our customers who start receiving local blooms as early as April!
If you are a local customer be sure to check out our Spring flower subscriptions!
