Specialty Gardening: Favorite Plants in the Cottage Garden, 1 by critterologist

critterologist wrote:
Thank you! You're right about bloom times varying, but knowing an approximate "window" such as "after crocus, in early daff season" definitely helps!

I was so completely charmed by 'Rip van Winkle' at the Philly flower show last year.. I am already certain it's a favorite!

Since we're on the subject of spring bulbs, I have to say that I really adore the little species-type tulips... I've got them along all the walkways and get so excited when they pop up in early spring. I think they bloom at about the same time as the big hybrid crosuses here (later than the C. tommasinianus). Last year, this T. humilis 'Little Princess' bloomed at the same time as this blue woodland phlox.... These were a mis-labeled bulb, and I took them out elsewhere (not a big fan of orange, especially against the burgundy tones of the walkway), but they were so cute here that I let them stay.

I like the informality of species tulips, but the only regular tulips that have found their way into my garden were a gift in memory of my uncle, a gardener who loved big red tulips. This year, I'm trying a few 'Zurel' and 'Queen of the Night'...