Tulips in the Gardens
So much is growing around my Bedford, New York farm. This week, the tulips were in full bloom.
I hope you saw some of my tulip arrangements on my Instagram page @MarthaStewart48. They were made using flowers from gardens near my main greenhouse. Tulips, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes, are perennial plants that open up each spring. They're grown for their graceful leaves and bright, cheery blooms. Some are traditional and cup-shaped, some have fringed petals, others have pointed ones, and some are full of fanciful ruffles. Some varieties even carry a soft, subtle scent.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- Tulips normally begin emerging from the ground in late winter or early spring. If mild winter weather causes premature growth, the danger is not as great as it may seem. Tulips are quite tolerant. I have some tulips growing in one section of this garden behind my main greenhouse.
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- Tulip bulbs are planted in the autumn before the ground freezes. By planting varieties with different bloom times, one can have tulips blooming from early to late spring.
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- Tulip ‘Columbus’ is from Floret, a family farm and floral design studio in the Skagit Valley, outside of Seattle Washington. These large cupped, peony-shaped blooms are breathtaking with pointed raspberry petals edged in cream.
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- Tulips have a fascinating history. Although closely associated with Holland, tulips were first cultivated in Turkey. The name tulip is believed to be derived from the Turkish word for turbans, “tulbend,” because of their resemblance. They gained popularity in Europe in the 17th century, peaking in 1636 to 1637.
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- Most tulip plants range between six to 24 inches tall and at least 12 inches wide.
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- This flower has multi-toned petals of peach, orange, and creamy yellow making it a versatile favorite for floral designers.
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- There are about 15 divisions of tulips based on their shape, form, origin, and bloom time.
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- Tulips have been hybridized in just about every color except blue. Most tulips have one flower per stem, but there are some multi-flowered varieties.
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- The broad, strappy leaves of tulips have a waxy coating that gives them a blue-green color. There are usually two to six leaves per plant.
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- Here is a breathtaking variety – rich burgundy-hued blooms on strong stems.
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- This tulip is yellow with bright red streaks – a wonderful flower for cut arrangements.
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- This tulip variety features hints of raspberry and subtle streaking throughout the copper hued petals.
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- Here is the flower from the top – this one is just about to unfurl.
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- Tulip bulbs should be planted in full sun to partial shade. Too much shade will diminish blooming in spring.
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- And taller varieties should be sheltered from strong winds.
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- This is Tulip ‘Cummins’ – also from Floret. It has a most unique dusty lavender-mauve color with creamy serrated edges. This is an eye-catcher in my flower cutting garden.
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- Tulips also need well-drained soil. Sandy soil amended with some organic matter is perfect. They also prefer a slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5. I am so fortunate to have such great soil here at the farm – so filled with rich nutrients.
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- Kevin Sharkey picked some beautiful tulips and made several arrangements to decorate my home. I hope you saw them on my Instagram page @MarthaStewart48. And follow Kevin @seenbysharkey.
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- Here’s an all white arrangement – so filled with gorgeous pure white tulips, one cannot even see the vessel in which they are displayed.
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- And here is another arrangement with dark pink, red, and purple blooms. What tulips are in your garden? Share them with me in the comments below.
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