Last fall, I went out to a commercial bulb grower and had a look at his seconds. One could buy 25 crocus bulbs for one euro for instance. Very inexpensive. I bought a load of crocus bulbs, Tulipa turkestanica's and these daffs. The crocuses and tulipa's I was particular with, but the daffs....I just wanted something nice-looking. The water voles got my Tulipa's and most of my Crocuses, but the daffs survived the feast. I plant flowers with my bees in mind and flowers that can provide pollen in the early spring is very important for the bees, as they use it to feed larvae. When I see my bees bringing pollen back to the hive, I know that there is a queen and that she is laying. My only surviving Tulipa turkestanica. So then, what you see are not particularly beautiful, but in my opinion they were the nicest of what they had for sale. I planted them around the lottie to enhance the feeling of "Springtime". I planted them by the greenhouse, under a plum tree and in various flower garden plots. Here comes the series:
Just gorgeous Sjoerd! I planted more bulbs in the fall and I can't wait to see 'springtime' come to my yard
Very pretty, Sjoerd. It's to bad that the bulbs you were particular about was the tastiest to the voles but your daffodils are gorgeous. I'm sure the bees are happy.
Really beautiful Sjoerd. Daffs are a safe bet for voles. They might move a few around but they will not eat them.
I love the little species tulips you have there. they spread well and they don't seem to get eaten by animals like the hybrids do. I had quite a few different colored ones in my old garden. wish I could have taken them with me. Your daffs are beautiful! I especially like the last one white and orange.
First of all: My apologies for my tardy response. Its a lame excuse but none-the-less true--the work here has been hectic. Bees, birds and the lottie gardens. I had more work planned for today in the bees, but Mother nature is not working with me, so I have an opportunity to write a bit on here. Thanks so much, NETTY--I am very excited for you and your coming flower show. I am interested to see what your new bulbs will produce. 2OF--Thanks for your comments. It was a pity about all those bulbs, but...ach--it's part 'n parcel I reckon. The bees are very happy this spring. Thanks DONNA--Ja, I noticed that the voles left all the daffs alone. Thank you very much FRANK--I am developing an interest in them as well. I realize that there are hundreds of different daffs, but I am such a cheapskate that I only went for the inexpensive ones. hahaha. I may buy a few more this coming fall, buty I am going to stick more into the replacement of the little tulips which will follow the crocuses. This extended offering to the bees will get them into the present time and now there are very many different things in bloom. Oh, it sure is EILEEN--I really like it now as well. In some ways I like it better than the top of the summer. Hey BUNKIE--Thanks for your reaction. Ach GINNY-- What a shame you couldn't take your tulips with you when you moves. T'is a pity, that. I am glad that you liked my daffs. The ones that you especially like are interesting to me as well because they gave sort of a flatish "trumpet"....and the colour, the colour.......
Great pictures as usual Sjoerd....how nice to hear that you are busy ....I am not sure how many tulips I will have left. I have found many tunnels in my large flower bed, I suspect voles again. I should be finding out soon after our cool spell.
