OK kiddies, if you haven't done it yet, it's time to go thru all those fall planting catalogs that have piling up next to the couch. If you're like me, when my fall catalogs arrive around about mid-June, the last thing I want to think about is MORE planting! Afterall, I just sweated thru planting and mulching my spring-summer crop.
And, if you're really smart, you'll wait till the catalog companies get desperate and send out their late fall planting catalogs with all the great deals in them!

Anyway, now is about the time you'd better get any orders in, or you'll be stuck on a wait list and may end up not getting what you want. But before you order, be sure you have the time to plant those shipments of bulbs and bare roots when they arrive, or they won't have enough time to establish themselves before the ground freezes!
Here's a rundown of some of the catalogs I get. Fortunately they all have web sites, so you can look online or just go there to order your own catalog. And then take the time to get some iced tea or other cool beverage, find a comfortable seat in your oasis, and peruse the catalogs dreaming of next year's garden ...
Michigan Bulb, www.mibulb.com -- has almost everything you could want, affordable prices. I've ordered from them before with a 50-50 rate of success.
Spring Hill Nurseries, www.SpringHillNursery.com -- currently offering $25 off shipments of $50 or more. I have no personal experience ordering from them, but I'm thinking of ordering Allium this year.
Breck's, www.brecks.com -- slashing prices on fall favorites.Also offering a $25 gift coupon in their catalog for orders of $25 or more, that can be upgraded another $10 if your purchase is more than $75.
Van Engelen Inc., www.vanengelen.com -- the "Best Dutch flower bulbs at the best prices!" Anything you could imagine, check them out.
John Scheepers Inc., www.johnscheepers.com -- "serving America's finest gardens for 100 years!" Their Beauty From Bulbs Fall 2008 catalog is very impressive.
New Holland Bulb Company, www.newhollandbulb.com -- Tulips, Daffodils and Lillies, oh my! I never knew there were so many varieties, it's hard to choose!
Netherland Bulb Company, www.netherlandbulb.com -- "The Catalog for Landscape Professionals," probably the same quality as New Holland, seems to be produced in the same place.
And don't forget www.bloomingbulb.com , they have a great supply of fall bulbs as well.
Also many of these companies offer complete garden packages and combination and/or variety packages of fall bulbs/bare roots. Take advantage now and save. Just think how great it will look next spring!

Allium

Frittillaria (Crown Imperial)
Personally, I'm hoping to add some Allium and Frittillaria (Crown Imperial), pictured above, to my collection this Fall. But I classically wait too long and they're usually sold out. But, hopefully, not this year ... I just heard from a little bird that some of our local big box home improvement stores have some of the bulbs I'm looking for. Hope I get there before you do!

Yes, just when you thought it was safe to relax in the garden ... the onslaught of Fall planting catalogs arrived in the mailbox!!

You know what I mean. You've just finished planting for the summer season, you've mulched, fertilized, watered and, maybe, prayed a little, especially during Tuesday night's storms. And now, just when you wanted to sit back and admire the fruits of your labor -- it's time to think about Fall planting!

And yes, you need to think about it NOW -- afterall, if you don't order soon, everything you want will be out of stock, including the stargazer lilly pictured above. Take heart in knowing, that after you make your decisions and place your orders, you can relax at least until late September, when the shipments of bulbs and bare roots will start arriving. And remember, items must be planted shortly after they arrive!

Here's a rundown of some of the catalogs I get. Fortunately they all have web sites, so you can look online or just go there to order your own catalog. And then take the time to get some iced tea or other cool beverage, find a comfortable seat in your oasis, and peruse the catalogs dreaming of next year's garden ...

Michigan Bulb, www.mibulb.com -- has almost everything you could want, affordable prices. I've ordered from them before with a 50-50 rate of success.

Spring Hill Nurseries, www.SpringHillNursery.com -- currently having a Super Sale on fall planting. I have no personal experience ordering from them, but I'm thinking of ordering Allium this year, and they're also having a sale.

Breck's, www.brecks.com -- They're Fall sale is currently in full swing.

Van Engelen Inc., www.vanengelen.com -- the "Best Dutch flower bulbs at the best prices!" Anything you could imagine, check them out.

John Scheepers Inc., www.johnscheepers.com -- "serving America's finest gardens for 100 years!" Their Beauty From Bulbs Fall 2008 catalog is very impressive.

New Holland Bulb Company, www.newhollandbulb.com -- Tulips, Daffodils and Lillies, oh my! I never knew there were so many varieties, it's hard to choose!

Also many of these companies offer complete garden packages and combination and/or variety packages of fall bulbs/bare roots. Take advantage now and save. Just think how great it will look next spring!

Personally, I'm hoping to add some Allium and Frittillaria (Crown Imperial) to my collection this Fall. But I classically wait too long and they're usually sold out. But, hopefully, not this year ...