Bulbfest 2014

Window box #1

Window box #2

Two window boxes. Exactly the same number of bulbs planted in each.

I'm guessing the squirrels threw a huge party one afternoon last fall and forgot to invite me.

House-selling saga: Spring flowers

Back in the fall, Grandsons #1 and #2 helped me plant several new varieties of iris, as well as literally hundreds of bulbs...crocus, daffodils and tulips. When we put our house on the market recently, the three of us were afraid that we'd move away before getting to see any blooms, but thanks to some unseasonably warm weather, the bulbs were tricked into thinking that spring is here, and new plants popped up everywhere.

We monitored their progress daily, aware that the tentative closing date on the house is drawing near. First we saw the tips of plants peeking above the dirt, then tiny leaves emerging, and finally buds forming and maturing. Sunday night we had freezing rain and woke up yesterday to find ice temporarily hindering the opening of the first flower, but later in the day we had a glorious bloom, and, by the looks of things, we'll see several more before we go.

Even though we're leaving them behind for someone else to enjoy, we've had the pleasure of seeing at least part of our hard work pay off.

February 8

February 10

February 14

February 15

Later February 15

February 16

Later February 16

 Even a few later-blooming tulips are beginning to come out.