Bulb season

The great cycle for summer dormant bulbs begins this time of year. Not only are there new catalogs to be studied and new purchases to be made, but it's also time to clean and replant those bulbs dug for summer storage. In the images above you see bulbs of Fritillaria uva-vulpis and Tulipa "Red Emperor". Notice the double quotes on the name of the latter: it's formal name is 'Mme. Lefeber', but it's been known as "Red Emperor" since its discovery.

Exciting as it is to receive new bulbs in the mail, the pleasure which comes from handling home grown bulbs is far deeper and more satisfying.