Since many of us in various USDA zones are still out there in the garden planting fall bulbs, it is a good time to review these well known but often forgotten guidelines for fall bulb planting:
·    Daffodils: For a mass effect plant 6-8 bulbs per square foot. This formula makes it easier to order: Do I need 10, or do I need 10,000? Probably the most disappointing spring garden is one with a daffodil planted here, then there, then over there. Daffodils are relatively inexpensive and come back every year, so plant en masse: You’ll never be sorry the next spring. Oh, did I mention daffodils are deer-resistant?
·    In a small garden (or with a small budget), plant daffodils and tulips in “bouquets”: In other words, maximize the impact of a small number of bulbs by planting 9 in a group here, 12 in a group over there, etc. Trust me, it works. By planting in a bouquet, I mean to plant a group of bulbs in one hole, bulb to bulb. This really works well when you are planting into an existing garden between other plants. Resist the urge to scatter the bulbs out: Plant in bouquets! No one will compliment you on your scattered daffodils: Everyone will compliment you on your design savvy when you plant in bouquets!
·    And whenever you plant bulbs, whether fall-planted or spring-planted bulbs and tubers, or Asiatic lilies or Orientals or LA hybrids or Squill or Hyacinths, or any other bulb: Plant en masse or plant in bouquets! Stop scattering them about one by one. Martha Stewart will be proud of you!