Many bulbs in the University of Tennessee Gardens in Knoxville are already blooming, including Snow Drops (Galanthus nivalis). >>>download photo
	March Gardening Tips
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by Emily K. Smith

Anticipating the spring gardening season? Nothing is more beautiful than a garden full of colorful spring bulbs.

Many bulbs in the University of Tennessee Gardens in Knoxville are already blooming, including Snow Drops (Galanthus nivalis). Among the first to bloom in late winter and early spring, this delicate flower is a delightful addition to any garden.

The solitary drooping flower is white in color and grows to be approximately six inches tall. Although often used as a featured specimen, Snow Drops look impressive planted in mass and even in containers.

Locations with partial shade to full shade provide the best home in your landscape for these bulbs. Snow Drops can be incorporated in woodland gardens, rock gardens, in your border or even naturalized in the grass. Remember, however, that bulbs planted in moist areas have a tendency to develop bulb rot.

With well-drained soil, Snow Drops are relatively easy to grow. This early bloomer is a low-maintenance wonder, and you can virtually forget about them once they are planted. Most Snow Drop bulbs will continue to bloom and grow year after year.

What do you do when you have too many large clumps of Snow Drops? Simply dig and divide four- to five-year-old clumps immediately after flowering.

The Snow Drops in bloom now were already in place or they were planted last fall. So if you want to add some to your garden, make some notes and buy bulbs in the fall for planting. Bulbs planted later this year will bloom next spring.

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Emily K. Smith is a graduate student in the University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences. She works under the guidance of Dr. Susan Hamilton, director of the UT Gardens. The UT Gardens are located on Neyland Drive in Knoxville. They are free and open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours.