Garden Detective

The suspect

The first time I purchased “Crown Imperial” Fritillaria bulbs, it was by mail order. When the package arrived, I brought it in the house and set it on the kitchen counter. Some 10 minutes later, when the dog, Shelby, entered the room, I noticed a very strong, foul skunk-like odor. Naturally, I put the dog out.

When I thought she had purged herself of whatever was causing that malodorous stench to emit from Lord-knows-where, I let her back in. Moments later, the smell returned, and out she went.

And so it continued for the better part of an hour -- in and out -- with accusations flying among family members about who had fed what to the dog.

Then John happened upon the box and determined it was the bulbs, not poor Shelby.

The culprit

Word to the wise: when you bring your Fritillaria bulbs home, if you’re not going to plant them right away, store them in the garage or outdoors in a protected area.