Guest Author - Nikki Phipps

Why not take advantage of all the vibrant colors and stimulating textures that autumn provides by creating a bulb garden themed around this exciting holiday. If it’s too late now in your region, there’s always next year and now is the opportune time for planning. Nonetheless, here are some ideas to get you started on a spook-tacular bulb garden.

There are several ways to accomplish a spook-tacular bulb garden. Your focus can be centered on orange and black or purely black. Orange color might come from tulips varieties like ‘Princess Irene’, watsonia, or various orange lilies. Throw in some orange and black-colored pansies as well for additional interest. Black plants add a touch of allure. Black plants mix easily with other colors in spite of what some people may have been led to believe. With black plant palettes, you are simply using some of the darkest colors and contrasting them with lighter shades that intensify them. Look for different flower types and even something a bit unusual for additional drama, such as the Dragon Arum (Dracunculus vulgaris). There are numerous black plants to choose from, including near-black beauties like tulips (Black Parrot or Queen of the Night) and irises (Dark Vader, Superstition). ‘Black Magic’ elephant ears are another great choice. Likewise, Arabian Night dahlias and daylily varieties such as Starling or Black Jack make exceptional selections too.

You don’t have to rely merely on black colors in the garden, however. Deep maroon can also help set off the Halloween effect. Maroon and red colors are thought to keep out evil doers, for those of you that are superstitious. Try red spider lilies, deep maroon calla lilies (‘Maroon Sensation’), tulips and more. Additionally, you might want to include plants that have creepy names such as devil’s tongue, blood lily, spider orchid, bat plant, bleeding heart, bloodroot, etc. Don’t overlook the wonders of carnivorous plants. Among these include Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, butterworts, sundews, and bladderworts.

Don’t forget to accessorize. For instance, Halloween-colored votive candles can be placed inside small jars or glasses, set on terra cotta saucers that are adorned with colorful leaves. These charming, little lanterns can be used as attractive centerpieces for tables or scattered throughout the garden. Pumpkins are an absolute must for decorating a Halloween garden. Create a variety of Jack-O’-Lanterns and spread them throughout the bulb garden. Don’t forget to light them up after dark for an ominous effect. Gather bales of hay and place them in the garden. Surround them with corn stalks and pumpkins. Accent these with Indian corn and small decorative gourds. You may find it easier to use containers. This can make it easier when arranging the garden, especially if you want to add drama to your accents. Explore the possibilities and have fun planning your spook-tacular bulb garden.