Mid-October through Mid-November is the peak time to plant Tulip bulbs. I always think of the I Love Lucy episode where Lucy and Betty Ramsey compete for the best tulip garden in CT, and wax flowers play into the plot. But there’s no need to fake it! Plant your bulbs now for tulips that will make your garden guests stop in their tracks for a closer look.
Tulipa ‘flaming parrot’ is one of my favorites, and there are so many to choose from this year. Go to your local garden center–or go online — to find the varieties or colors that inspire you most, and add tulips to your spring garden plan! There’s nothing more welcome than the sight of a beautiful Tulip in spring after a long winter.
The English Garden magazine featured a wonderful variety of tulips in May 2010, photos by Marie O’Hara. A description of each flower follows.