Dance with the daffodils

There is nothing like the sight of lemon and champagne colored daffodils followed by brilliant tulips to announce the arrival of spring. Daffodils not only signal winters end, some say they hold the promise of future prosperity. They symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, so it is especially appropriate for me to have them in my yard to remind me of all the exciting new paths that are opening up for me.
The meaning of tulips is generally perfect love and each color carries its own significance. Red tulips are associated with true love while purple symbolizes royalty. Yellow tulips represent cheerful thoughts and sunshine. White tulips are often used to send a message of forgiveness and variegated tulips represent beautiful eyes.
A vase of cut tulips is enough to brighten my mood any day so I planted about two hundred bulbs along the perimeter fence. I already have several drifts of daffodils planted and both of these flowers will be among the first to bloom in spring.
My friend Debbie Van Bourgondien happens to own a Dutch bulb importing business and she has been very generous in providing me with high quality bulbs for the past several years. Visit their website at www.dutchbulbs.com to see hundreds of different varieties of bulbs that their family owned business has to offer.
Unlike the garlic, where each clove needs its own space, tulips can be planted together, 8 to 10 bulbs per hole. First I placed a handful of bone meal, an excellent source of phosphorous, at the bottom of each hole which will contribute to vital, more colorful flowers and strong roots. Then I sprinkled the area with hot red pepper flakes to discourage the squirrels from digging up the tasty bulbs.
The bulbs (and I) will lay dormant all winter...
"For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils."
William Wordsworth
I can't wait till spring!