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Whether you're creating a cottage garden in the landscape or simply want a cutting garden to fill your empty vases, summer flowering bulbs are always a good choice. Cannas, dahlias and calla lilies are all great choices. Some people simply avoid planting them because they aren't hardy and can't justify the expense. Others sim- ply treat them as annuals because they don't know how to winter them over correctly. Some have just given up on growing them altogether because they haven't had luck over-wintering them. This doesn't have to be. By following some simple guidelines, they can grace our gardens for years to come. Although the basic storage princi- ples are the same for most bulbs, there are some slight differences, like cur- ing time and storage temperature, among varieties that should be looked at to ensure success. So let's look at them separately. ■ Let's start with cannas. You can think about digging them up after the first good frost has darkened the foliage. Give the foliage a couple of days after this frost to dry before cut- ting back to a little above ground level. Allowing the dead foliage to dry will help trigger the tuber into entering dormancy properly. Dig the tubers up carefully to avoid damage because this will increase your chances of rot throughout the winter. Gently shake off the majority of the dirt. Allow the tubers to cure, or dry, for 3 to 5 days in a shady area out of the wind. Before storing, gently remove some of the remaining excess dirt. Now layer them in an open container by alternat- ing tubers with dry peat moss, making sure all tubers are covered. Store the container in a location that is between 40 and 50 degrees F. I use my base- ment. In spring, carefully divide tubers so there are at least two good growing eyes; plant when weather warms. ■ Dahlias are somewhat similar. Again wait until a couple of days after the first hard frost. Again gently remove any excess dirt. Curing is slightly different. You'll want to let them cure for about a week to 10 days, longer then cannas, in a shady area protected from the wind. After curing, treat them just like the cannas; pack in peat moss and store in an area between 40 and 50 degrees F. Unlike OCTOBER 2016 HOMES PLUS 3 248830001 Dutch Gardens In the fall, carefully dig up canna tubers, such as this dwarf canna mixture. MICHAEL TIMM Storing tender bulbs over a blustery winter See Timm/Page 4

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