Tulip Recycling

Another tulip season in is the books, which showcased roughly 4,500 tulips this year and over 10 different colors and patterns. Now that the tulips have past their prime and beginning to drop their petals, I am often asked what happens to them next. A great question and to keep the landscape beds fresh and new for the following year, we pull all the bulbs out of the ground so that we do not get any unwanted colors mixed in with the new bulbs that will be planted in the fall. We also amend and till the beds in preparation for the Summer Annuals, in many cases this damages the bulb from blooming the following year.

If you are interested in recycling the bulbs to create your own masterpiece at your home we have removed the tulips and placed in piles in the landscape beds with a picture of what they looked like at full bloom. Please bring your own buckets/boxes/bags and gather what you would like over the next few days. Below is a brief guide on how care for the bulbs.

Any questions do not hesitate to ask. Spring bulbs were a huge success, and we are getting close to summer annuals. 

How to care/store/replant springtime bulbs:

• Find a covered well-ventilated area to lay out all your bulbs (leaves and bulbs still attached), making sure they do not touch.

• Once the leaves have dried out and turned yellow or brown, you can cut the leaves off all the way back to the bulb (this could take a few weeks).

• Store in a cool, dark, ventilated area like a basement or garage until fall.

• When it is time to plant in the fall, plant bulbs 3-5 inches in the ground, please keep in mind that 100 percent of the bulbs may not bloom again, so plant a few extra! 

Cheers!

Bryan Miller

Horticulturist at Hyde Park CC

Grounds Update- Practice Like a Pro/Post Aeration Update

 Practice like a pro:

I have been asked a few questions on the proper etiquette on divot removal on the grass tees. Below are a few pictures of divot patterns that are exhibited at HP. Ideally there is one divot pattern that should be utilized for increased recuperation and the most efficient use of turf, better known as a “lineal” divot pattern. The lineal divot pattern is a series of divots connected in a lineal fashion with a minimum of 2-3” of turf between each strip. The creeping Bentgrass/Zoysia grass left between the divots will grow horizontally, decreasing the amount of time for recovery.

Post Aeration Update:

The Grounds Team recently completed the Spring aeration of the putting surfaces, incorporating roughly 70 tons of new sand to the profile to aid in firmness, increased water infiltration and to improve the overall health of the plant. As most of you know, the first 7 days post aeration, the putting greens are sandy and can be bumpy. Warmer temperatures and rain are very helpful with recovery, however 3 weeks is generally the rule of thumb for improved playability. Over the coming days, our team will be rolling the surfaces more than mowing because the plant needs to grow through the sand that was applied to backfill the holes. We will monitor growth rates, add fertilizer and lean on Mother Nature to provide some much needed sun and warmth.

 

The Zoysia Grass continues to be slow in its transition to full green-up this season due to the inconsistent and cooler temperatures. Please be mindful when traversing the fairways to keep carts out of roped off  areas, and please return to the cart path at the cart signs located in the fairways. 

With the golf season almost in full swing a couple quick reminders to repair ball marks properly, this graphic shows the correct way to enhance recovery and playability.

Thanks as always for the feedback and questions, we look forward to seeing you on the course.

Pat O'Brien 

Grounds Superintendent