What a great idea. My question is about watering? I live in Phoenix where we will have 80's & 90's well in to the fall. My ornamental beds are all on drip emitters. Should I use drip emitters on all planted bulbs? And when should I start watering?
Thanks,
Marilynne

Because you're in Phoenix, wait a month or two to plant. And because these are in containers and are planted layers deep, I'd hand water each pot just enough to that it starts coming out the drain hole. First watering is done right after planting.

--Jim

Thanks, Jim-
Do bulbs benefit from a period of refrigeration in climates like Phoenix? And do you think I should use the drip emitters on bulbs as soon as they are planted in the ground or will that cause rot?
Thanks again-
Marilynne

Yes. Refrigerate bulbs for at least 6 weeks before planting, and put the container when it gets only morning sun (not hot afternoon sun). Drip is fine from the beginning, but I'd drench the containers once after planting.
--Jim

The bulbs are in the "beer" fridge in the garage and thank you for your help!!
Marilynne

I would like to know if you planted annuals or something else in the top, or did you leave it as just dirt all fall and winter till the bulbs came up?

Thanks!

There's nothing but bulbs in these containers, but it wasn't just the featureless dirt that you might imagine. The first bulb shoots were up around new years, and from then it was just fun watching them grow.

Your containers are gorgeous! My dilemma: The Sunset Western Garden Book gives a different method, very briefly outlined:
1.larger bulbs with bulb nose at soil level
2.Layer smaller bulbs slightly deeper.
3.Lack of planting depth is addressed (Sunset zones 1-7, I'm 4 or 5) by submerging pots to rim in dirt, mulching, then moving out after growth begins in 8-10 weeks or so. I've planted three containers using that method this year. Have you ever tried it? I suspect they could be leggy or floppy. I plan a couple more containers--these I'll plant according to your method and compare next Spring.
Many thanks!

Hi Christine,
In Sunset zones 4 or 5, you don't need to submerge the pot. I've done the method pictured on page 684 of the Western Garden Book, but that's for single varieties, not layers of bulbs (maybe you're looking at something different?). It works perfectly, as does the layering technique that I did last fall for spring flowers. In the Western Garden Book, we show planting tulip bulbs 5 inches deep. There's no floppiness at all at that depth. Everything we do and recommend is tested, usually by the author (but sometimes by our test gardeners), so press on: you'll succeed!
--Jim

Thanks Jim, for your response. Rereading the section on container culture for bulbs, they were talking about single varieties, as you say. I rely on the Sunset Western Garden Book for most of my gardening information and inspiration-- I anticipate success! Thanks again.
Christine