Most people are familiar with spring bulbs, lovely tulips and daffodils; fragrant hyacinths. These are the bulbs we plant in the fall and wait patiently to see bloom in the spring. If you're a gardener who likes more immediate gratification, you might look into summer bulbs. Summer bulbs are planted in spring and are usually in bloom by mid to late summer. Everyone looks forward to seeing the first gladiolus. Visitors to Farmers Markets can't seem to resist buying those tall colorful blooms available at many of the stalls. Dahlias are also popular, especially those with huge showy flowerheads. Cannas bring a wonderful tropical look to the garden. Caladiums are grown for their colorful foliage. BUT, have you seen Mexican Shell Flowers (Tigridia pavonia); Summer Hyacinths (Galtonia candicans); Pineapple lilies (Eucomis); or my favorite fragrant bloom, Peacock Orchids (Gladiolus callianthus). All of these are delightful and bring unusual flowers and colors to the garden as it's starting to wind down.
