In “Naturalizing Bulbs”, Rob Proctor does not provide the usual alphabetical recital of genus, species and varieties. Instead, he begins with a series of essays on the aesthetics and practicalities of weaving bulbs into the landscape. These chapters both inspire and provide a dose of reality of what works, based on broad climate zones throughout the United States.
Next, he steps back and looks season to season, again considering the pros and cons of choices for different regions. These two approaches give the reader a clear understanding of the decisions we each need to make for our own gardens.
Proctor is an aficionado, writing about the varieties he knows well. He doesn’t list all you could plant, but rather what you should plant – classics that combine beauty with health and garden reliability.
Published in Garden Notes: Northwest Horticultural Society, Summer 2020