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 ...