Free Gladioli This Saturday In Berlin

by Sandi Slattery
The Berlin Beautification Committee will be pulling the gladioli bulbs from the beds along Rt. 22 on Saturday, September 18. Interested Berlin residents can pick up the bulbs for free, after 1 pm, from piles left along the roadsides where the beds were planted.
The Committee encourages interested residents to plant the bulbs next spring at their own homes in an effort to extend the gorgeous displays to even more venues next year.
Successful Bulb Storage
• Cut the bulb from the spent foliage
• Spread the bulbs on several layers of newspapers in a warm, dry (but not too hot) area; until the bulbs have dried out.  This will take several days. Please remember to turn the bulbs occasionally to ensure even drying.
• Place dry bulbs in paper bags or cardboard boxes (no plastic) to over-winter.  Close bags/or cover boxes.
• Store packaged bulbs in a moderately cool environment where they will not freeze. Temperatures in this area should remain between 42 and 58 degrees.
Planting
When planting time arrives in the spring, the Committee will publish planting instructions and planting dates.
The Community Response
The community response to these flower beds has been overwhelming! Corporate sponsors, landowners who allow the beds in their yards, our exceptionally generous benefactors, our never-tiring volunteers and the Town of Berlin Highway Department and Transfer Station personnel have all been vital.
We hope to add at least four new beds next year. Along with all the bulbs town residents store and plant.
Bulbs will be available on a first-come/first-served basis.