number, or "naturalize," when happy. Since the days have cooled off in much of the country, but the ground is still relatively warm, we are in prime bulb-planting time. Bulbs planted now will get right to work establishing their root systems. I've planted thousands of them over the years, and here are some basics based on that experience.

1. Good soil counts. Take the time to prepare the bed where you are going to be planting. Good drainage is particularly important, as most bulbs like it on the dry side during their period of dormancy.

2. A general rule for planting depth is that it should be three times a bulb's diameter. So a tulip bulb two inches across should be planted

six inches deep.

3. Don't be afraid to make bulb "sandwiches." More than one type of bulb can share a planting hole. Put the largest on the bottom, sprinkle on a little soil, add a smaller bulb, sprinkle on a little more, and finish up with a small bulb on top with just a couple of inches of soil over that.

4. Generally speaking, plant the pointy side of the bulb facing up. Sometimes this can be difficult to figure out, in which case plant the bulb on its side and it will actually right itself.

5. Don't fertilize when you plant. This may contradict advice you have read, but I've never done it. Using a product like bone meal in the planting hole can attract critters that will then feast on the bulbs. Instead, apply a good slow-release fertilizer as the foliage starts to appear in the spring. And a twice-yearly top-dressing with compost wouldn't hurt either.

6. But do water when you plant, just as you would something that came in a pot. And in the spring, if you don't get those April showers.

7. More is more. Don't skimp on the number of bulbs you buy. A dozen crocus will go almost unnoticed but a hundred will make a statement.

8. This is not a planting tip, but resist all temptation, after the blooming season, to braid, tie up or cut the bulb's foliage until it begins to turn yellow and flops over. Then it is safe to cut it off. Doing anything else beforehand will impinge on the plant's ability to photosynthesize, which is crucial to the formations of the next season's blooms.

The photos are from companies I have ordered from over the years and can recommend based on my experience. I've included links to their web sites in the captions.

What bulbs are you planting this season?

You just need terracotta pots, shells and your trusty glue gun.

I started by gluing the larger shells around the rim and then filled in the open spaces with smaller shells.

Such a fun update for your patio!

homemade tomato sauce. We've made a bed, we've prepared our soil, and we've put some starts and seeds in the ground. If there's anything we don't know that you're sure we need to know, we'd love to hear from you!

beautiful doing it!

Photo courtesy of Enery Water Gardens, Arvada, CO

Rocky Mountain WaterScape can design a water feature for every budget and location, from small cascading fountains and ecosystem Koi ponds to meandering streams and mega waterfalls. Our proven techniques, backed by 12 years of experience, can turn your project into an aquatic paradise, satisfying the requirements that are associated with creating actual streams, falls, pondless waterfalls, or ponds. Check out our website for more great photos and information: www.rmwaterscape.com