The first sign of spring? Daffodils. This author never knew how many different types of daffodils there were until the first Breck’s catalog arrived. Wow!! If you are in the market for bulbs or plants for your garden, read on to find out about bying from Breck’s by catalog or online.
While this author tends to shy away from imports and tries to buy American made as much as possible, Breck’s is an exception. On their website, you will see, “Breck’s, Direct To You From Holland Since 1818.” Breck’s has been in the bulb biz for over 180 years and they do know bulbs. They are a company that moves with the times and they have a website for those of us who love to shop online.
Orders for bulbs are taken in advance of the season. If you order well in advance of the season, you receive considerable price discounts. Once the bulbs are ready to be shipped, you receive a notice and your credit card is charged. Items coming direct from Holland take about 25 days to process through customs and overseas shipment. Sometimes it is hard to wait, but it is well worth it. Bulbs are large, healthy and very viable.
Even though they take advance orders, you can still buy bulbs for this year. As a matter of fact, you will probably find early spring bulbs on sale right now and you don’t have to wait for a catalog. Just go online to Brecks.com and begin your browsing adventure. Don’t leave the site without ordering your free catalog (link is on the home page near the top right). Once you are there, you will find that Breck’s is way more than daffodils. They have a wide range of bulbs and plants that will add color, texture and scent to your garden.
One of my favorite daffodils is Replete. The daffodils with pink centers are attention getters and the doubles always make people stop and look. If you want to get a visual taste of a variety, try a collection such as Hybridizer’s Mix Daffodils. It offers a great assortment of daffodils that you won’t find just anywhere. They are one-of-a-kinds. And-I just checked-they are on sale right now, 17 bulbs for $19.99. While I was there I noticed that many of the daffodils are sold out for this season. So, if you are interested, don’t waste any time.
If you feel it is too late for daffodils or they have stopped shipping to your zone, they have many perennials (14 pages worth) and summer bulbs, to get your green thumb twitching. If you are looking for something different, check out Blue Globe Agapanthus or the Everblooming Hardy Geraniums. If you don’t have any Oriental Lilies in your garden, get some. The fragrance is awesome!
Once your catalog arrives, let your fingers do the walking through the pages of bright colors and intriguing forms. Cut out the pictures of whatever you order and tape them to the refrigerator or paste them into a notebook. It will make you smile every time you see them, knowing they are on their way or in your garden preparing to bloom. The pics are great for chasing the gloom out of a dreary day. The advance sale catalog for fall just arrived. I can’t wait!
