Thankful for Tulips

One thing I have become thankful for each year are the pretty pink tulips that dot our house each May. For the past 10 years, we’ve planted a light pink tulip called Menton around Thanksgiving and my wedding anniversary (which is Nov 21st). The tulips are usually in full bloom for Mother’s Day. I told my husband that his anniversary gift to me this year would be the tulips. I never really thought of the symbolism of the planting and blooming and how it corresponds with two important dates on the calendar until recently.

Tulips can re-bloom, but the height and numbers usually diminish, so we replant ours each year. This year, I was feeling up for a change. I looked through dozens of tulip varieties, but in the end decided to stay with the same height  (24 inches) we are accustomed to and the color pink. I have always loved hot pink, so chose the Burgundy Lace variety because I liked the fringed edges.

We normally plant 1000 bulbs, but I think there may be as many as 1300 this year. This is a team effort by my garden crew. First they mark the plant locations with flags, so that they can see the layout. Then, the holes are dug about 5 cm down and 6 to 7 bulbs are planted together. The photos below should give you an idea of how they are laid out and how they will turn out. Change can be a little nerve wracking, but also exciting….and I felt it was time. So, here’s hoping these little bulbs have a lovely rest over the winter and give us a beautiful show in the Spring. Look for the big reveal in May 2018!

What are you thankful for?

images: PPT & Deirdre Carsto