Bulb season is upon us—time to consider forcing a few for winter indoor color. Amongst the many bulb books in the Miller Library are a handful that focus on this delightful art.
The newest is The Curious History of the Bulb Vase (2012) by Patricia Coccoris. The practice of growing bulbs suspended in a vase over water dates back almost 300 years, but it didn’t become widespread until the 1800s. For much of that century the hyacinth was the most popular of the spring flowering bulbs and also the easiest to grow this way, a boon to both bulb sellers and buyers.
The vases themselves became an art form, and collectible. The author catalogs these developments with many fine photographs and period advertisements, making the book itself a work of art. While most vases were made of glass, others came in porcelain, ceramics, and even terracotta. Planting bulbs in bowls became more popular in the early 20th century, but high-end bulb vases are still made today.
An extensive chapter recommending other bulbs to try—from amaryllis to alliums, and even acorns—makes this more than just a history book. But the history is the most fun. Especially amusing are the experiments with antipodal hyacinths, requiring a special design that allows one to grow up, while below it another grows down into the water. Quite curious!
Published in Garden Notes: Northwest Horticultural Society, Fall 2013