One of the last things I do at the end of the gardening season each fall
Is one of the first things to bloom come spring.
Tulips
It’s a gift we gardeners give ourselves.
Just at the end of the season
When we’re almost too tired to do another thing
And our knees really don’t want to bend down
Comes the time to plant Tulips.
Some years it’s hard to get it done.
But when spring comes I’m oh so grateful that I did.
Last fall I planted the path to the garden house
With my favorite varieties
Packed the trenches
Covered them with pansies
And let them sleep.
We had also added a new bed on the landing in the front.
Which was planted with a new variety
Of tulips called French blend.
They have proved to be perfect for this spot.
This variety bloomed a little later than those in the back.
Which has turned out to be a good thing.
You see this is a very sunny place.
Surrounded by bricks
Without a drip line.
So the only thing I know to plant there for summer is periwinkles.
But since periwinkles don’t like cold wet weather
You have to wait till May to plant them.
So having a tulip that is still blooming
This last weekend in April works well.
They’ll last a few more days
Then it will be time to pull them up
And plant again.
The cycle goes on.
Gail
In My Garden 