Tulip Cuppa Sunshine - Missoula, Montana

Sending out a little tulip cuppa sunshine amidst this gloriously stormy day…

Spring Signposts - Missoula, Montana

"...Already in glimpses of the tarnish'd sky

The sun is warm and beckons to the larch...

A million buds but stay their blossoming;

And trustful birds have built their nests amid

The shuddering boughs, and only wait to sing

Till one soft shower from the south shall bid,

And hither tempt the pilgrim steps of spring...."

- from While yet we wait for spring, and from the dry

by Robert Seymour Bridges (1844 - 1930)

Hope Blooms - Missoula, Montana

"Black and white are the colors of photography. 
To me they symbolize the alternatives
 of hope and despair
 to which mankind is forever subjected." 

- Robert Frank

Thumbelina Tulip - Missoula, Montana

"“It is a beautiful flower,” said the woman, and she kissed the red and golden-colored leaves, and while she did so the flower opened, and she could see that it was a real tulip. Within the flower, upon the green velvet stamens, sat a very delicate and graceful little maiden. She was scarcely half as long as a thumb, and they gave her the name of “Thumbelina,” or Tiny, because she was so small. A walnut-shell, elegantly polished, served her for a cradle; her bed was formed of blue violet-leaves, with a rose-leaf for a counterpane. " - From 'Thumbelina', by Hans Christian Anderson (1805-1875)

Just One Drop, Missoula, Montana

Stalwart little tulip, making the most of early spring rain.

I can image the wee faeries stopping by to admire their reflections, perhaps dip in hands to cool faces hot from a busy spring day’s work.

Plumb’s project song for Blood: Water Mission, “One Drop”, is a perfect spritely accompaniment to any kind of springy efforts. Take a listen here.

Planting Hope, Hamilton, Montana

Hot tip for any plant-loving procrastinators - er, rather, busy people putting the last minute to effective use: Lowe’s still has spring bulbs for sale. 
Even better: they’re ON sale at fifty percent off.
 
I bought six bags - after putting back three bags, thanks to a wee self-chat about realistic expectations.
 
I’m a little excited. 

Come Saturday - after coffee, of course- , you'll find me bundled up and tenderly placing papery-swathed bulbs of promise: grape hyacinths, alliums, daffodils, fragrant hyacinths, and tulips. 
These will stand out nicely amidst the foliage of the later-blooming lilies and fritillaria I tucked in last weekend. 

Only 124 days until spring!

Orange-Red Tulip, Missoula, Montana

Holiday Repost: 20 May 2012
“I will be the gladdest thing
Under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers
And not pick one.”

- Edna St. Vincent Millay

(Note: To aid spring planting dreams, check out happydiyhome.com!)

Winter Tulip, Missoula, Montana

Occasionally, I pause to ponder how amazing are the conveniences and technologies that we take for granted. Today I considered it pretty astonishing that I can enjoy the hopeful bloom of fresh flowers while a winter storm rages outside. I mean, from how far away did this tulip travel to arrive - still fresh - on this blustery day? When you stop and think on it, we've grown up with and consider commonplace what would have been looked on as marvels 70,50, or even 20 years ago. So, for this harbinger of spring, I am thankful.