Did the area get a lot of watering or rainfall this season? Poor drainage or excessively moist soils would account for bulbs rotting. Voles and other soil critters could also account for the disappearance.

In your area, bulbs do not need to be dug seasonally, they need no chilling and they can be replanted right now. Or if you wish to "dry" them out, store in your garage or other dark location on a flat surface and replant in mid to late September.

Thanks gardengal!

We did have an exceptionally wet spring and summer. I've never seen so much rain in July. I do know there are a few nice, squirrels and voles on the property. So both of those make sense.

i appreciate the info! I feel like I never know what I'm doing haha

They might have dug themselves in deeper than you originally planted them so you might get surprised as the ones you thought were missing pop up later especially the daffodils.

If you wait a few years, the bulbs that like your conditions will multiply and make their own bouquets. My philosophy is not to fight nature and if something likes my garden then I'll get more (PS - this is my secret to gardening - double up on what survives and act like it was on purpose)! There are so many varieties of different bulbs you can really build something amazing just from a few types. For example, you wouldn't believe all the fancy choices for the humble daffodil. Consider next Spring a test and fill in what does best.

Last thing, your mulch is red which competes for attention with the flowers. If you are going to buy new mulch, I would suggest brown as then the bright colors of your flowers will shine.

Edited- totally agree with everything GardenGal said so didn't touch those subjects. ;)

haha I love your advice rosieposie!

Yes in hindsight I think the red mulch is a bit too drastic. It's very popular in my area but I think you're right and it competes too much. Next year I might try more of a brown color (honestly depending on how much money I have because this year I bought over 90 cubic feet of mulch - didn't even cover all my gardens- which was quite expensive).

It's a great idea to see what ends up doing well and just getting more of them! For example, this is about a 2 month old pic, and in that time the teeny little brown sticks behind the tulips, up against the wall, have finally bloomed into gorgeous and vigorous JFK roses :) Being only a year old they seem to LOVE my property and are happily lining the house in a pretty alternating pattern with some bright red hardy hibiscus. It's so interesting to see what works and what doesn't in every unique garden and even smaller portions of gardens!

Hi Kali,
Looks like you have some great spaces to work with. I love bulbs. What gardengal mentioned about excessive rainfall was the first thing I thought. I had to dig out my beds completely because they were all clay. Here in North Georgia, I can grow just about anything, but some things absolutely must have that drainage to make it.

And like you, I once did the spastic thing too, just kinda threw them in there and gave it a whirl. And I went to the local home depot to get my bulbs. Both were mistakes, and at the end of the day; I just dug up what was in there and started over. This all led to me starting my own small side business called, Restoring Eden. I couldn't find much unique material near where I lived so I started a co-op, to get product shipped from the Netherlands, some bulbs and varieties that are just a little different then all the normal stuff I see around.

If you are looking for some unique selections, or want to join our newly formed online club. Have a look at what we have to offer and join our Facebook group if you want. Love having down-to-earth garden enthusiasts from all over America. Our store opens on September 8th, for fall bulbs :) https://www.facebook.com/TheOnlineGardenClub
Our website is: http://www.TheGarden.club

All the best to you,

Coty.