Tulip Study

Tulips have always fascinated me and over the years I have learned that they don’t all look like something painted by a Dutch master, but rather come in all shapes and colors. I have several different ones in my garden but every year I add more. There is always a tulip, more often than not four or five, I see and decide I need to add to my collection. Some of my tulips disappear over the winter because mice have chewed the tasty bulbs and others multiply. I never know what my garden will look like come spring.

Originally from central Asia, the Dutch went crazy over these beautiful flowers during the 17th century and made and lost fortunes with them during the so-called Tulip Mania. Today, the Netherlands is still the number one producer of tulips. This tulip craze is documented in the many still lifes painted during this time and the creation of the tulip vase.

Not being able to travel makes me look more towards what I have in my own garden and to enjoy the explosion of flowers blooming. Since tulips don’t all bloom at the same time, I can safely say that I can enjoy tulips somewhere between one and one and a half months each year. While the first tulips are past their prime, the later ones will just be getting ready to open up. While I have several different ones to share on the blog today, there are more about to make an appearance around the garden.