Our good friend and associate Chris Wiesinger, "The Bulb Hunter” has a new book on the market, "Heirloom Bulbs for Today." The book published by Bright Sky Press, is beautifully illustrated by Loela Barry and Johan Kritzinger, and co-authored by Cherie Colburn. Written for both the beginner gardener and the more seasoned gardener it groups bulbs on their ease of culture and adaptability to various zones and soils. Throughout the book Chris shares his personal adventures in finding the bulbs—the "back story” so to speak—and artfully describes the history of the bulbs, beautifully telling their story of how they came to be a part of our Southern gardening traditions.
What exactly is an heirloom bulb? An heirloom bulb as defined in the book is one found in American gardens before World War II.
I for one get totally confused on what’s considered a ‘spring bulb’ or a ‘fall bulb’. Does that mean a spring blooming bulb or you plant the bulb in the spring? No need to wonder anymore. The book lists each bulb with its common name, Latin name and instructions on planting and caring for the bulb. And best of all – when it flowers.
This past fall Clark Gardens and Chris Wiesinger (along with the design input from Dr. Bill Welch) joined forces to refurbish the Meditation Garden with perennials and heirloom bulbs. Many of the newly planted bulbs are just beginning to show their foliage and we look forward to the first blooms, the end of February. With Chris’ book "Heirloom Bulbs for Today” I now know what to look for!!!
Mark your calendars!! Chris Wiesinger will be one of our featured speakers at Spring Festival on March 26th. You will be able to purchase an autographed copy of the book and some of these heirloom bulbs at the festival and hear his stories first hand. Sharing their talents on Sunday, March 27th will be artists and illustrators, Loela Barry and Johan Kritzinger. A husband/wife team, The JoLoè Art Duo, will present an entertaining and educational session on "Waste to Wow”. Their art work will be on display and available for purchase.
Post Script:
The four individuals who collaborated on the book, "Heirloom Bulbs For Today”, Chris, Loela, Johan and Cherie are all talented and generous individuals. Some of you will remember Cherie Colburn [http://www.cheriecolburn.com/]from our Fall Festival. Cherie is an accomplished landscape designer and children’s author.
Dr. Bill Welch, a mentor and friend of Chris’, is also a good friend of Clark Gardens and a frequent speaker at our festivals. Due to a prior engagement Dr. Welch will be unable to join us this Spring Festival. We look forward to his return at Fall Festival 2011.
There’s a saying that goes, "it takes a village to grow a garden”(well something like that). Clark Gardens is fortunate to have such talented individuals helping us "grow our garden.”
