Are your tulips in bloom yet?

These gorgeous spring blooms originated as wild plants in the mountainous regions of Asia centuries ago.  Once they became popular, they were the symbol of the Ottoman Empire

 They were made popular in more modern times from their frequent depiction in Dutch paintings.

Since then, we associate them with the Netherlands.  With the perfect climate, the Netherlands have become the primary supplier of tulips throughout the world.

There are many types of tulips grown today from the traditional and frilly Parrot varieties to the star-shaped tulips that you’d believe were some other kind of flower.  They come in just about any color you can think of.  Traditionally we expect to see reds, oranges, yellows and pinks but there are also blue, black and green varieties as well as stripes and streaks.

They add a great bit of color early in the spring before most annuals and shrubs produce color.

You do need to protect them from the wildlife.  Tulips are a favorite of deer, and squirrels and other rodents will dig up and eat the bulbs.