Thursday, December 2, 2010

A Beautiful "Tulip" Day!

Today is tulip day! The bulbs have been in the refrigerator now for about 8 weeks, so it's time to get them in the ground. I thought my Mother wanted me to plant some in her garden, but she decided there was no more room-so..I planted 60 bulbs in my little backyard today. And what a perfect day to be in the garden. It was sunny and warm (temp was 67 at planting time-which explains why we have to chill our tulip bulbs here in Texas!) After some much needed house work this morning--I couldn't wait to get outside.
I don't use a bulb planter like I bet most of you do. I like to use this old, ugly, slender spade. It has a sharp point that is great for digging down into clay soil. I was somewhat worried about digging up existing bulbs as I went, but only came across a few. I had 6 different types of tulips-mainly yellows and reds which I planted in between the pansies. I bought 10 all white bulbs that I planted together out under the bird feeder. I added lots of red pepper, then mulch to this area to try and discourage pesky squirrels. The last group of bulbs were white with red edging. I planted them behind the flagstone patio--again with red pepper on top. I never know whether I should plant only one color tulips, or plant lots of colors but always group the colors together (which I think I heard in class is the right thing to do.) But I like red and yellow mixed together so much-I usually mix the bulbs together in a pot, then toss them here and there. I never mark where I am planting as I LOVE to have surprises popping up in spring. By the time I finished planting and peppering and mulching..I was ready for a break. Nice afternoon snack--warm pumpkin bread right out of the oven! Ummmm--what a beautiful tulip day!
Hope you had a good day today!

9 comments:

tina said...

You're going to have a rainbow spring. It will be so lovely!

Meadowview Thymes said...

Tina, I hope you are right! I can't wait to see what comes up and blooms!

JenningsJunk said...

I can hardly wait for bloomin' pictures!!!!!

Meadowview Thymes said...

JJ--you and me both! Let's just get through Christmas and move on to Spring! : )

Manda said...

Oh, I love red and yellow. I try to only plant those colors. Sometimes it's hard when there are so many great choices out there!

Anonymous said...

Yep I agree with Tina, it will be a colorful spring. :)

Balisha said...

Pumpkin bread and tulips...two of my favorite things...Balisha

Aunt Debbi/kurts mom said...

I think mixing them together is lovely. Stay warm this weekend.

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see your tulips come spring, I'll be sharing mine too!