Spring Garden Walk Day 3
Because of all the bunnies that frequent our yard, I grow very few tulips. Those that I do have are surrounded by rabbit wire fencing so that I can enjoy them instead of the bunnies enjoying them…
For some reason known only to the bunnies, these red and white tulips apparently aren’t tasty. If I knew which variety they were, I’d grow them en masse, as their blooms last for weeks and the white and red combination reminds me of peppermint candies.
As these tulips age, the red from the edges and the stripes gradually broadens into the petal until the petals become more red than white. I’d love to know how the color gene that produces this effect works!
This clump of alliums is a new addition to our gardens. I’ve eyed them in garden catalogs, but only last fall was I able, for the first time, to find organic allium bulbs.
I’m fascinated by how the buds develop, slowly emerging on top of a 3-foot tall stalk.
The fully opened blooms are spectacular, each the size of a baseball and a deep rich purple - I can understand why this variety is named “Purple Sensation!” The foliage is already dying back, so these are similar to daffies and tulips, in that they need to be planted in a place where something else takes over. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a big bare spot in your gardens when spring has passed.
Next to bloom — probably over the coming weekend — will be our Irises and the early blooming daylilies. I’m also keeping my eye out for little future hoppers - I haven’t seen the Missus about in the yard, so I suspect she had her baby bunnies earlier this week!
22 May 2008 JAS
Nice to be with you in your garden. We are finding it more difficult to grow flowers with changing seasonal cycles. There’s Four O’clocks which ancestry is Grand Junction and Iris which seem to survive the worst of climate change and Lilacs that seem to be hardy as well. And there is beauty and solace in the vineyard. We share with you a fascination with an annual evolution of flowers and new inspiration.
Once again I look forward to visiting your garden. I have taken a few photo’s myself in anticipation of having you join me in my garden.
Dave, glad to see you out and about on the web! I love Four O’clocks. All our Iris came from a single clump that Michael’s grandmother gave us when we got married. Good memories, and they have a lovely sweet scent. Lilacs we don’t have but the neighbor across the street has a 50-year-old lilac clump towering over their garage. The fragrance is heavenly!
Sarah, I can’t wait to see your garden!
Judy - if I wasn’t gearing up to leave for vacation on Sunday, I’d do a tour of our yard as well. Just can’t squeeze it all in! Maybe I’ll have a few things left and some new ones by the time I get back. In the meantime, your virtual tours are always such a treat. Thank you.