Northwest Garden Checklist: Amaryllis, Orchids, Bulbs, and Tool Care

Planting

Amaryllis

For immediate bloom, buy potted plants with buds showing color. Bulbs may bloom in weeks or take up to three months. Provide plenty of light and regular water.

Orchids

Winter is peak bloom for many orchids. In Seattle, see thousands at the Northwest Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale (Nov 13–14, Snoqualmie Room, Seattle Center; $3 donation; www.nwos.org or 206/297-3708).

Shrubs and Trees

Autumn is ideal for planting deciduous trees and shrubs. Visit public gardens to see mature specimens: Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden at Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Seattle) with Arthur Lee Jacobson's tree list (www.arthurleej.com, $2). In Portland, tour Reed College campus (web.reed.edu/trees).

Spring-Blooming Bulbs

Outdoors: plant drifts of anemones, bluebells, crocuses, daffodils, grape hyacinth, hyacinth, Iris reticulata, ranunculus, tulips. Species tulips naturalize; reliable performers include Tulipa batalinii, T. clusiana, T. clusiana chrysantha, T. greigii, T. kaufmanniana. For indoor forcing: freesias, hyacinths, paperwhite narcissus.

Wildflowers

Scatter seeds in weed-free beds. West of the Cascades, seedlings appear by January, first bloom in early spring.

Winter-Blooming Shrubs

Sasanqua camellias bloom now through spring; 'Yuletide' is excellent. Also Erica × darleyensis 'Kramer's Red', Sarcococca, strawberry tree, witch hazel.

Maintenance

• Maintain tools: Before winter storage, rub wood handles with linseed oil, sharpen/replace blades, oil moving parts.
• Mow one last time: Cut grass on a dry mid-month day; no more mowing until spring.
• Protect dahlias and fuchsias: West of Cascades, tubers and hybrid fuchsias may survive mild winters in well-drained soil under 4 inches of straw. If unsure, lift and store as described.