The Accidental Gardener

It's kind of embarrassing, but it's not even spring and I'm already giving myself failing marks at gardening. I only planted my bulbs last night - I missed the "middle of September" target by about a week. Hopefully things will still work out!

I planted two varieties of tulips (my second favourite flower after sweetpeas): these gorgeous Princess Irene tulips which should bloom in shades of orange and magenta, and some Negrita Triumph tulips in a lovely deep purple colour. Being a first-time tulip-planter, I did a wee bit of research and followed the methodology described in How to Plant Tulips over at the Backyard Gardener, which I think may be a local site. The things I learned from this are 1) having a big shovel to dig holes is probably a lot more efficient than a mere garden trowel and 2) bone meal creates a lot of dust and 3) I must learn not to be grossed out by earthworms.

The Negrita tulips were part of a package of purple flowers - there were also Blue Poppy Anemone and some violet-coloured oriental hyacinths. The only problem is that this package of bulbs came without directions, so I'm a bit skeptical about whether all of the different varieties need the same type of growing environment as the tulips do! And I planted them all exactly the same! It's kind of silly to package tulips and hyacinths together if they grow in completely different regions ... but possible, right?

Comments

[Carolyn J.]

If it's those lil' grape hyacinths you're talking about, don't worry. It has been my experience that those things take right over and go about their business wherever you put them, as long as they get some sun. I have had them in with tulips and daffodils.

[fairy abs]

bless your cotton socks for worrying that your tulips are in too late! they will be fine.
I never ever remember to plant a thing then get annoyed when it is too late so i am impressed!

Fairy abs x