Tulip Joy

Tulipa 'Daydream' in Our Garden

Last fall, when chipmunks had dug out and eaten most of the tulip bulbs, I was faced with three choices. The first would require the critters enter the "vacation module" to be transported elsewhere. Second choice...forget about tulips and move on! Third, change my attitude and accept that a portion of the bulbs will be eaten and try to control the damage with a dressing of bloodmeal and dried hot chilli pepper seeds. Accepting the inevitable third choice, I merrily strolled along to the local nursery, with an aim to include more hot color in the spring garden. Tulipa 'Daydream', a Darwin Hybrid, delivered...sizzle hot...wonderfully fragrant, it absolutely glowed. Sadly, she has not lasted as long as I would have liked but......beautiful in the leaving.

'Ballerina' is still on point, a longer bloomer, smelling truly of oranges. Both of these varieties have brightened the many gloomy days we have experienced, withstanding relentless rain ......grateful, as we are, for the odd sunny day.

'Ballerina' with 'Daydream'

 In the front bed, as you come up the drive, 'Canadian Liberator' is giving a great show! It's deep bright red blooms on tall sturdy stems light up this woodland part of the garden. The hope was, dogwood  'Constellation' would flower at the same time, but this year, I think they will miss each other.

Click on photos to enlarge

'Canadian Liberator', a Triumph tulip named in honor of the Canadian Soldiers who liberated Holland in WW II