Spring flowers are one of the most magical sights to behold after a long and cold Utah winter, but did you know the magic of spring blooms actually begins in the fall? Planting spring-flowering bulbs right now sets the stage for a spectacular early-season show. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dig into the art of planting tulips, crocus, daffodils, iris, and more!  

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Planting Spring Flowering Bulbs in Fall-spring bulbs for sale

Why Should I Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs in the Fall? 
As you probably know, spring-flowering bulbs require a chilling period of a minimum of 13 weeks. This makes Utah’s cold winter climate the perfect place to grow these beauties. Planting these bulbs in the fall gives them loads of time to establish strong root systems before the chili winter sets in, helping them gather enough nutrients and moisture from the soil to ensure a robust and healthy start in the spring. Cool temperatures allow robust root growth to sustain the bulb. The cold winter weather also triggers the bulbs' dormancy, assisting them to store energy for their stunning spring debut! 

Choosing the Right Bulbs for Salt Lake City 
Before you start planting, it's important to choose the right bulbs for your Salt Lake City garden. Here are some popular choices that thrive in our region: 

1. Tulips

Tulips are one of the most iconic spring-flowering bulbs and are available in various colors and shapes that add vibrancy to any garden. For Salt Lake City, consider planting three seasons of blooms, early (Fosteriana), mid (Darwin Hybrid & Triumph), and late (long stemmed, Lily, Fringed, Parrot, Bunch Flowering) for extended spring blooms. Bunching Flowering are LaRene’s favorite! 

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Planting Spring Flowering Bulbs in Fall-alliums

2. Crocuses

Crocuses are among the earliest bloomers in spring, often poking right up through the snow. These cheerful, low-growing flowers come in shades of purple, white, and yellow and are perfect for naturalizing your garden. 

3. Daffodils (Narcissus)

Daffodils are hardy and reliable spring flowering plants, making them an excellent choice for Utah gardens. Their bright yellow or white petals and trumpet-shaped centers always create a stunning display! Consider planting the unique multi stem or split corona varieties. Daffodils are also the very best for naturalizing because of their strong reblooms for years to come. 

4. Irises

Irises come in a great selection of colors and sizes, making them an easy flower to fit into any garden design. They are also well-suited to Salt Lake City's climate and can be planted alongside other spring-flowering bulbs for a dynamic garden bed. 

5. Alliums

The unique globe-shaped blooms of alliums, or ornamental onions, add a unique flourish to your garden. These bulbs are known for their deer resistance and make for show-stopping focal points in any garden design. They come in extra-large to small, from pink blooms to purple shades and white. 

Preparing Your Garden for Planting 
Now that you've chosen your bulbs, it's time to prepare your garden for planting! Follow these steps to ensure a successful bulb-planting experience: 

Location, Location, Location 
We suggest choosing a sunny spot in your garden for your bulbs, as they need at least six hours of sunlight daily to thrive. You should also make sure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging your bulbs, which can cause rot. 

Soil Preparation 
Give bulbs a good home. Feed your soils by adding compost generously to the soil. It's crucial to amend the soil to provide optimal conditions for your bulbs. Be sure to add some bulb food too! 

Digging to the Right Depth 
The depth at which you plant your bulbs depends on their size. As a general rule, you should plant your bulbs at a depth that is around three times their bulb height. For example, if a bulb is 2 inches tall, planting depth should be around 6 inches deep. 

Proper Spacing 
Space your bulbs according to the recommended distance on the bulb packaging. Proper spacing allows for better air circulation and prevents overcrowding. 

Planting Technique 
For best results, plant your bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up. Cover the bulb with soil and gently pat it down to remove air pockets. Finally, water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil. 

Bonus Tip: Plant Some Pansies 
One of our favorite design tips is to plant pansies over your bulbs! Pansies are hardy, cool-season annuals that can actually survive our winters, providing an extra burst of early-season color come spring and brightening up your landscape during the colder months. Check out the Capitol Building or the gardens at Temple Square. 

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Planting Spring Flowering Bulbs in Fall-watering can

Caring for Your Spring-Flowering Bulbs 
Just because your bulbs are in the ground doesn't mean your work is over! To ensure a stunning spring display, follow these care tips: 

1. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch over your planted bulbs to help regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and prevent weed growth. 

2. Watering: When watering your bulbs, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells in the fall. Avoid overwatering, as bulbs can rot in soggy conditions. 

3. Fertilization: Spread a balanced, slow-release fertilizer amongst your bulbs in the spring as the shoots emerge to provide them with the nutrients they need for flowering. 

4. Deadheading: Once your spring-flowering bulbs have finished blooming, remove any spent flowers to encourage them to store their energy for the next year. 

Getting your spring-flowering bulbs into the ground now will ensure a rewarding garden next year. If you ever feel stuck, don't hesitate to stop by Millcreek Gardens for more planting advice to help you move into fall with confidence—and to check out our selection of beautiful bulbs! 

Just because summer is over doesn't mean you have to stop enjoying your outdoor space! Here are some of our favorite ways to say goodbye to summer days and celebrate the beautiful harvest season in style. 

What Should I Plant in My Fall Garden
If you haven't already started your fall planting, we recommend you do so now! Incorporating these vibrant seasonal plants into your autumn garden design is just one of the many ways you can make the most of the season's spectacular color show:

Sunsparkler Series Sedum: We love these low-growing succulents for their brilliant foliage. Transforming from green to rich reds and purples as the temperatures drop, these beauties make an excellent groundcover and provide a unique touch of fall flavor to your Salt Lake City garden.

Tiger Eye Sumac: This deciduous shrub is a showstopper in the fall garden, with fern-like foliage turning brilliant shades of orange and red.

Maples, Aspens, and Japanese Maples: These trees are famous for their vibrant autumn foliage. Sugar maples are renowned for their fiery red leaves, aspens create a shimmering sea of gold, and Japanese maples offer a more delicate touch with their crimson hues.

Design Ideas for Your Autumn Garden
Seasonal plants aren't the only way you can infuse your Salt Lake City garden with the enchanting colors of fall. Let's dive into some design ideas to make your autumn garden truly spectacular:

Foliage Focal Points
Create focal points in your garden by strategically planting trees and shrubs that boast striking autumn foliage. A Japanese maple near a seating area adds vibrant color and textures, while Tiger Eye Sumac can be used to frame the entrance to your garden and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Seasonal Containers
Change up your garden's vibe and add versatility to your autumn landscape with seasonal containers! Place these containers around your garden to provide bursts of color that complement the changing foliage and greet company at the front door. We love packing ours full of mums, ornamental kale, and pansies in rich fall hues.

Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are not only low-maintenance but also provide a lovely contrast to the bold colors of autumn. Consider planting varieties like 'Karl Foerster' feather reed grass or switchgrass, which sway gracefully in the autumn breeze, adding movement and texture to your garden.

Fire Pits and Cozy Seating
As the weather cools, make your garden a cozy place to gather with friends and family. Adding features like a fire pit or outdoor fireplace surrounded by weatherproofed or covered seating to your landscape design creates a welcoming spot to enjoy the crisp fall evenings, roast marshmallows, and sip on warm cider.

Incorporate Hardscaping Elements
Enhance the autumnal charm of your garden with hardscaping elements. Installing natural stone pathways or a rustic wooden pergola draped with fall-blooming vines like clematis provides structure to your garden while allowing the natural beauty of fall to shine through.

Native Plants for Sustainability
A final seasonal tip is to incorporate native Utah plants into your autumn garden design. Not only are they well-suited to the local climate and require less water and maintenance than other non-native varieties, but they also support local wildlife and pollinators. Some of our favorite native options include Utah serviceberry, desert marigold, and Gambel oak.

Lighting for Ambiance
As the days grow shorter, well-placed outdoor lighting can extend the enjoyment of your garden into the evening. Use soft, warm lighting to highlight the beauty of your autumn garden, creating a magical atmosphere for nighttime gatherings.

Maintenance Tips for Your Autumn Garden
Now that you've got your autumn garden set up exactly how you want it, here are a few maintenance tips to help you keep it looking its best:

1. Regularly rake and remove fallen leaves to prevent them from smothering your plants and creating a slippery surface.

2. Prune deciduous trees and shrubs after they've shed their leaves to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth for the spring.

3. Keep an eye on your garden's watering needs, as plants may still require moisture during the fall. Adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions.

4. Mulch your garden beds to insulate plant roots and conserve moisture. Use organic mulch like shredded leaves or wood chips for an extra layer of autumn charm.

Switching to an autumn garden design is a rewarding and visually-stunning experience. The unique blend of colors and textures brought to us by this spectacular season is a natural gift that deserves to be celebrated, so come visit the garden center today to stock up on fall plants, mulch, and expert harvest advice you'll need to do it right!

September is a super month for getting those garden chores done, and one of our favorite ones to tackle every fall is dividing perennials. Not only is it a lot of fun, we don’t think there’s a better way to get free plants! Dividing perennials comes with a host of health benefits in the garden, too, so let’s dig in and find out the best way to grow your green family and spread the perennial love this season. 

The Benefits of Dividing Perennials in Salt Lake City
As if getting FREE plants wasn’t good enough, here are all of the other reasons you need to separate those overgrown beauties this fall:

Promotes Plant Health and Vigor
We have a pretty unique climate here in Utah, with some hot summers and cold winters that can be challenging for some plants. Dividing perennials is an effective way to rejuvenate older plants, ensuring they remain healthy and vigorous. As perennials grow, their root systems can become crowded, leading to reduced flower production and overall vitality. Dividing them every few years allows you to refresh the soil around the plants and encourage new growth.

Adapt to Salt Lake City's Climate
Salt Lake City's diverse microclimates demand adaptable plants. Dividing perennials not only revitalizes them but also allows you to relocate or redistribute them according to their specific needs. For instance, you can move sun-loving plants to a sunnier spot, and shade-tolerant varieties to shadier areas, ensuring they thrive in the city's ever-changing weather.

Reduce Maintenance Costs
In a world where water conservation is paramount, maintaining a garden can be expensive! Dividing perennials helps reduce maintenance costs as healthy, well-spaced plants require less watering and fertilizer. By optimizing your garden's layout, you can achieve a more water-efficient and cost-effective landscape.

How to Divide Perennials in Salt Lake City
So, how do you go about getting those free plants, anyway? Here’s how:

1. Timing is Everything!
The ideal time to divide perennials in Salt Lake City is in early spring or early fall. With the mild weather, you’re not as likely to stress your plants out with a transplant. For this reason, try to avoid dividing perennials during the scorching summer months when the heat can be harsh on both the plants and you!

2. Prepare Your Tools
You’ll need some good tools for this job, including a sharp spade or garden fork, a pair of pruners or scissors, a bucket, and gardening gloves. Make sure your tools are clean and well-maintained to prevent the spread of diseases in the garden.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Dividing perennials guide-digging up iris

3. Dig it Up!
Start by digging around the base of the perennial plant, creating a trench that extends beyond the plant's drip line (the outermost edge of its foliage). Carefully lift the plant out of the ground, taking care not to damage the root ball.

4. Divide and Conquer
Use your clean spade or garden fork to divide the plant into smaller sections. Depending on the plant's size and growth pattern, you may be able to divide it into two or more sections. Ensure that each division has healthy roots and shoots.

5. Replant and Care
Replant your fresh divisions in their new spots, making sure to amend the soil with organic matter if necessary. Water thoroughly to help the roots establish themselves in their new homes, and continue to care for the divided plants as you would for any newly-planted perennials.

Sharing Your Perennials
If you find yourself with more divided plants than you can squeeze into your garden, consider sharing them with others. Here's why it's a fantastic idea!

Strengthens Community Bonds:
Sharing your divided perennials with neighbors, friends, or local gardening clubs fosters a sense of belonging and community. It's a beautiful way to connect with others who share your passion for gardening.

Millcreek Gardens-Salt Lake City-Utah-Dividing perennials guide-daylilies in gardens

Beautify Your Neighborhood:
By distributing divided perennials throughout your neighborhood, you contribute to the overall improvement of your community. Your generosity might also inspire others to invest in their own gardens, creating a more appealing and welcoming environment and increasing food sources for the local pollinators

Dividing perennials in Salt Lake City is not just a gardening practice; it's a way to enhance your garden's health, adapt to the local climate, and reduce maintenance costs. As you dig, divide, and share your perennials, you'll not only witness the growth of your garden, but also the growth of a stronger, more vibrant community. 

So, grab your spade, start dividing, and watch your garden and friendships flourish, but remember to stop by Millcreek Gardens to top up on those important planting supplies today!

Frugal Gardening TipsGardening can be tremendously expensive or nearly free—it depends on your budget, creativity and goals. For the frugal gardener, you might want to harvest an edible or gorgeous garden without breaking the bank. After all, what’s the use of a delectable homecooked meal featuring the literal fruits of your labor when it’s cheaper to get organic produce from the local farmer’s market?
 
Start by shopping for seasonal discounts, just like you do with everything else. If it’s not in season right now, it can probably be scored for a great price. Look for off-season plants or those who are a little past their prime but can still work for you. Pick up seeds as they’re moved to the clearance rack year-round, since their shelf life is much more generous. Exercise your green thumb to bring plants in need of a little TLC back to life.
 
However, savvy shopping is just one way to go frugal.
 
1. Transplant Trading Brigade
 
Every party has a pooper—but that’s a good (and fertile) thing for gardeners. Bring all your gardening friends together for a transplant trading event, since many people have more plants each year than they can use. Late spring is a perfect time to trade duplicate herbs, tomatoes, flowers and other garden favorites. Add a potluck into the mix, featuring garden ingredients, and that’s a party no one will miss.
 
2. Hello, Dolly
 
Dolly the sheep might have given cloning a strange name, but when it comes to plants you can’t beat cloning. Reproducing premium plants via root divisions is easy for the savvy gardener. Once you get into mid season, gather cuttings and root them right away. June is the best month to do this and you can quickly double several crops, from rosemary to geraniums.
 
3. Compost Away
 
There’s no excuse for not composting, especially when it’s so easy to make your own. Why not use your “garbage” to give your garden the fertilizer it craves? Plus, you’re helping the environment at the same time.
 
4. Water Smart
 
Water in the evenings and your plants will be able to enjoy this wet nourishment for longer. Watering in the heat of the day means water will evaporate more quickly, with less of it actually doing the plants any good. Be sure not to over or under water as well.
 
From keeping an eye out for affordable gardening tools, nursery specials and learn cost saving tips from your local gardening store; there’s always a way to save your green in more ways than one.