What Sparked My Curiosity The idea began, as most of the good ones do, with a simple conversation. My sister was visiting a tulip farm when the woman there mentioned that she plants her bulbs inside mesh onion bags to keep the squirrels out. It made perfect sense to me. The mesh is strong enough […]
Mesh Onion Bags: One Small, Clever Structure Read More »
Opening Observation Every spring, when the Kingsblood tulips open, I think back to high school lawns in Skagit Valley, when students would use spent tulip petals to make campaign art on the grass. Reds for the letters, yellows and whites for the outlines. It was temporary and messy and absolutely beautiful. Those petals came from
Plant Profile: Mayflowering Tulip ‘Kingsblood’ Read More »
Opening Observation Although I grew up where tulip fields were part of the spring landscape, someday I’d still like to see the ones in Holland — those miles of color that seem to blend straight into the sky. Until then, I make do with my own small tour at home. The Perennial Delight mix feels
Plant Profile: Perennial Delight Tulip Mix Read More »
The Season Starts with Memory I grew up in Skagit Valley, home to one of the most well-known tulip festivals in the country. The festival has grown significantly over the years, drawing such large crowds that traffic has become a major challenge. But once you get there, the miles of gorgeous blooms nestled in the
Fall Bulbs: What Nobody Understands Until You Explain It Read More »
Opening Observation I grew up in Washington’s Skagit Valley, where tulips weren’t a novelty; they were a season. Spring meant rows upon rows of color stretching to the horizon, fields so bright they looked painted against the gray. I never dug bulbs myself, though one of my best friends did. She was known for how
Plant Profile: Fosteriana Tulip ‘Flaming Purissima’ Read More »
Opening Observation A field of memory, right in the yard. Some flowers bloom from nostalgia. For me, tulips are one of those. I grew up in Skagit Valley, Washington, where tulips weren’t just a springtime decoration, they were a cultural event. The Tulip Festival marked the season as clearly as the scent of fresh soil.
Plant Profile: Darwin Hybrid Impression Tulip Mix Read More »
A bright start to spring A bright, cheerful daffodil is a great way to see the garden start to come alive. A Golden Harvest comes early and lights up the garden when everything else is still half asleep. It’s one of my husband’s favorites. Daffodils are one of his favorites because they’re unapologetically cheerful, bright,
Plant Profile: Trumpet Daffodil ‘Golden Harvest’ Read More »