About Long Island Gardener Expertise Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.
Experience Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.
Question I need to thin my SG lilies. When is the best time to do this, Spring or Fall? I live in Colorado.... Thank you! Carolyn
Answer Star Gazers are Oriental Lilies. Best time of year to thin or transplant them is coming up: Autumn, as metabolism is winding down. Second best time of course is Spring. When you do take them out of the ground, remember, they are still very much alive and kicking the whole time even though they LOOK dormant. Keep the time they are out of the ground to a minimum -- and I do mean MINIMUM. Lifting these for any reason is damaging. Like you were holding your breath.
