Monday, April 21, 2014

Tulips Are My Favorite

And tulips, children love to stretch
Their fingers down, to feel in each
Its beauty's secret nearer.

–Elizabeth Barrett Browning, A Flower in a Letter.


I'm not quite sure what it is about tulips that I love so much, but they are my favorite of all the flowers. Whatever it is, I think they are a miracle. I thought I'd take you on a little garden tour and show you what is blooming in my yard. These pretty pink ones are Apple Blossom tulips. The pretty burgundy foliage on the left is a peony, which I also really love.

These are parrot tulips, although I'm not sure of the variety because I ordered them in a grab bag. I love the pretty daffodils, rimmed in apricot, behind them, but again, they came from a grab bag so I don't know their name either. On the left is a bleeding heart, which has gotten really big. Does anyone need a cutting?

Once upon a time, I knew the name of these pretty purple tulips, but I don't remember now. The red parrot tulips are also from the grab bag, but I think they are a different variety than the others. It is hard to see from the pictures, but the color isn't quite the same.

This one is called Blue Diamond.

I love orange flowers. This one is the Donald Duck tulip. It was bred for his 50th {I think} birthday.

A neighbor brought me this bulb, so I don't know the variety, but it is absolutely gorgeous. The picture doesn't quite do justice to the beautiful apricot color.

I thought I'd try something a little artsy-smartsy here. Not sure it worked out how I wanted, but I love these delicate pink tulips.

The bulbs are getting a little crowded. For the past several years, I keep thinking I need to dig them up and spread them out, but then these beautiful groups of a dozen or more tulips come up and I can't bear to separate them because I know it will be a few years before they will multiply enough to grow in pretty bouquets again. I think that it really needs to be done this year, though. The tulips won't last much longer so I'll enjoy them while I can, and when they start to fade I'll make a little time to rearrange them. It will be fun to have a new tulip show to see next year.

5 comments:

Paulette said...

Beautiful tulips, Elizabeth! Wow, I can't believe you have all that growing already. We're a good month behind having that kind of lush beauty. The crocuses are just up and my daffodils are just poking through about four inches. Love the colorful variety you have in your bulbs!

Lane said...

Beautiful. Tulips don't like it here, so it was delightful to see them in your garden. Thanks for the tour. Lane

Audrey said...

We are only dreaming of tulips and other spring bulbs as they are still nestled under about 18 inches of snow. I do love their appearance each year. I believe your apricot tulip is called Apricot Beauty. I had some several years ago but unfortunately a harsh winter did them in after several years of providing beautiful colour.

Jennifer Lovell said...

Oooh, wouldn't I just love to be your neighbor! I would hope to live across the street from you, so that I could just look out my windows and see your beautiful garden every day.

Has anyone told you lately what a good photographer you are?

Congratulations on your beautiful creation! It is awesome :). I love tulips, too! Thanks for sharing those with us who can't see them in person!

Shay said...

Having grown tulips last year for the first time I have to say Im convert to the tulip camp. Yours are just delightful to look at .

Mine are currently chilling out in the fridge ready for planting in a couple of weeks. I hope they look as lovely as yours come Spring.