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Red Dirt Ramblings®

Firmly rooted in the Oklahoma soil

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Tulips, Daffodils and Word Games

7 September, 2009 By Dee Nash

by Dee Nash
7 September, 200917 October, 2019Filed under:
  • Bulbs
  • Fall
  • Flowers
  • Spring
  • Summer
Birdseed Sunflower

Birdseed Sunflower

From the time Bear was a very little girl, we played a game which we call “I love you more than . . . .”  The rules of the game are very fluid, and I don’t remember how it started, but it always tickled her into belly laughs and sometimes, oohs and aahs.  It goes like this:

“I love you more than sunflowers love the sun.”

“Well, I love you more than shoes love shoelaces.”

[Giggling ensues]

“Mommy, I love you more than your hands love gardening gloves.”

“Bear, I love you more than tires love asphalt” (We own a paving company after all.)

As you can see, the sillier the better.  A word association game made of the animate and inanimate which need each other.  We played it as I drove her to school, to tae kwon do classes, to buy groceries, or to the plant store.  We still occasionally play it as a joke, although she is really too old for it now.

'Victoria Blue' Salvia, Echinacea purpurea with autumn sage behind

'Victoria Blue' Salvia, Echinacea purpurea with autumn sage behind

Our game came to me today while I bought a few bulbs.  Okay, I bought a lot of bulbs.  As you know, I have a little party of 30 to 40 family members each Easter.  The food menu never changes, because all families have their favorites.  However, each spring, outdoors, I try to outdo what I’ve done the year before, and bulbs are a large part of the decor.  Starting in fall, I dream of better combinations and more unusual ones.  The relatives seem to get a kick out of it, and I get a kick out of them.  I stagger the bloom time buying bulbs which bloom early, mid and late because I never know what an Oklahoma spring will bring.  Will it be hot and dry, causing the blooms to finish early, or will it be cool and wet, making them linger?  Further, Easter is a movable feast on the calendar based upon the moon so I also take that into consideration.

Even with the blue sky behind it, giant ragweed is ugly and a nuisance

Even with the blue sky behind it, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, giant ragweed is ugly and an allergy nuisance

Bulb buying has another purpose.  Right now, if you live in Oklahoma, I’m guessing that unless you’re a diehard, you’re a bit tired of the gardening season.  The ragweed is blooming right on schedule, and if you aren’t exhausted by the heat and humidity, you’re walking around with a permanent headache from allergies.  After summer (which we are still in no matter what the schools think), there is a gradual cool down, along with some rainfall, which brings out the best in the garden.  However, you may still be recuperating from the work you put into the vegetables or the flowers.  I bet you even occasionally dream of the end of mowing, winter coming and the great rest.

Unknown Narcissus with 'Ogon' Spirea behind

Unknown Narcissus with 'Ogon' Spirea behind

I believe that’s why people in Oklahoma don’t always buy bulbs.  Sure, hybrid tulips are expensive annuals, but daffodils and many other bulbs return year after year.  After that long winter nap, you will be begging for color.  There’s something essential to the human psyche about seeing new, green growth peeking its head out of the mulch and then moving rapidly on to outrageous flower.  If you want drama, try something new, something you’ve never grown before like Narcissus ‘Maria’, Fritillaria persica, or Allium ‘Ambassador’.

Tulipa 'Purple Dream'

Tulipa 'Purple Dream'

“I love you like the flowers love the rain.”

So, buy yourself some bulbs, and buy the good ones.  Go to a site like Brent & Becky’s Bulbs, Old House Gardens, or Southern Bulb Company where the bulbs are bigger and of better quality and get your garden something nice to wear next spring.

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Comments

  1. Rose says

    12 September, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    What a sweet game, Dee! My kids and I used to play an "animal game" to while away the time while driving, and now I'm playing it with my grandkids:) I planted so many bulbs last year I swore I wasn't going to get carried away again this fall, but now I'm feeling the urge. I love the "Purple Dream" tulips–that would definitely add something "new" and some "drama" to my spring garden!

    • reddirtramblin says

      12 September, 2009 at 9:25 pm

      Oh, I love that you're now playing it with your grandchildren. One of the great things about being a parent or a grandparent is that we get to be children again with them. It's one of God's subtle gifts I think.

  2. CurtissAnn says

    12 September, 2009 at 2:23 am

    Oh, honey-bunny, thank you for both the game and the encouragement for planting bulbs. I'm going right now to buy some. And when I saw the OK house for the last time, I pulled up more of the iris tubers growing from those you gave me and brought them down here. I'm sooo glad I did!

    • reddirtramblin says

      12 September, 2009 at 9:26 pm

      Curtiss Ann, darlin', I'm so glad you liked the iris. It will always be another link to our friendship. When you get the bulbs, let me know what you get.

  3. Nola says

    11 September, 2009 at 9:43 pm

    Brent and Becky's is my favorite for hard to find bulbs. Of course, here in Hooterville, anything other than daffs and narcissus are "hard to find". I get all giddy over bulbs because they hold the promise of cooler days!

    • reddirtramblin says

      12 September, 2009 at 9:28 pm

      Nola, LOL! I must live in Hooterville too!

  4. Dominika Vegetable says

    11 September, 2009 at 10:23 am

    I like this post more than the spoon likes the soup. I used to play that game with my best friend and it was a lot of silly fun. Thank you for reminder on bulbs, I won't be buying yet, but it's the time to come up with a new cool flower layout. Planning the composition is almost as fun as actually enjoying the flowers.

    • reddirtramblin says

      12 September, 2009 at 9:29 pm

      Dominika, thanks for playing along and for stopping by. Glad you got to play it with your friend too. Sweet memories. Yes, the plan can while away the hours.

  5. M.A. says

    8 September, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    I love you more than the birds love the birdseed sunflowers. See you soon. Great post.

    • Dee Nash says

      9 September, 2009 at 9:54 am

      Love ya too Mary Ann. See you in a couple of weeks. Can’t believe Raleigh meetup is nearly here.

  6. kclily says

    8 September, 2009 at 2:20 pm

    Oh I am so looking forward to the "great rest" but here in central Oklahoma planting is still going strong as you know. I bought too many plants at Bustani last Friday but they are planted. I never think to plant bulbs. Thank you for the links, I'll see what I can't live without!

    • Dee Nash says

      9 September, 2009 at 9:55 am

      I’m glad you got some pretties from Steve and you got them planted. 🙂 I didn’t go this fall, and I nearly let two plants from TLC die, but got them in before the rain yesterday.

  7. Cliff says

    8 September, 2009 at 2:12 pm

    The flowers look exquisitely beautiful, but ragweed causes allergy that makes it important to be cautious about it. The season is also right for ragweed nuisance and it is important to know theragweed and other allergy alerts from different websites that provide these informations.

    Cliff

    • Dee Nash says

      9 September, 2009 at 9:55 am

      Cliff, I agree, ragweed is a scourge. I wasn’t promoting its flowers. I was identifying it for my readers. Thanks for the link.

  8. Jenny B says

    8 September, 2009 at 5:50 am

    What a sweet game…that is one of those memories that will come back to warm your heart the rest of your life.

    I have been trying to resist buying bulbs yet–it is so hot, I don't even want to think about it…but after your post, I am more inspired–thanks!

    • reddirtramblin says

      9 September, 2009 at 2:56 pm

      Thanks Jenny. Yes, memories of the small things are the best. I hope you do plant a few bulbs. They brighten spring.

  9. Pam/Digging says

    8 September, 2009 at 4:20 am

    My daughter and I played that game too, Dee! It all started after reading the book "Guess How Much I Love You." Very sweet, and lots of fun too.

    • reddirtramblin says

      9 September, 2009 at 2:57 pm

      Hi Pam, I saw on the radar that Austin may be getting some rain. Here's hoping so. I think a lot of us played that game because of that wonderful book. I read it to all my children. I'm glad you all played it too.

  10. Brit Gal Sarah says

    8 September, 2009 at 3:10 am

    What a sweet game, it made me smile! And thank you for the reminder on the bulbs, I have not really gone in for them before, but I will get on with it now.

    Oh and Happy Birthday to you 🙂

    • reddirtramblin says

      9 September, 2009 at 2:58 pm

      Thanks Sarah for the birthday wishes. I hope you plant some bulbs. Having children meant I got to be a child again for awhile. For that, I am truly grateful.

  11. Cindy, MCOK says

    8 September, 2009 at 1:09 am

    Such happy memories for you and Bear both! It's funny how things like that stick with you. The little moments are the ones you remember, just as sometimes the little bulbs are the ones that make the most impact!

    • reddirtramblin says

      9 September, 2009 at 3:00 pm

      Yes, Cindy, it is the little moments we remember, and for them I am truly grateful.

  12. Diana says

    7 September, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    Love those daffodils, Dee. They are my favorites and since the deer don’t eat them, I keep adding more each year. But it’s still too hot for me to think about them yet…soon, though, soon. And I will check out your recommended bulb companies, I’ve never ordered from them before. Bigger, better bulbs sound good to me!
    .-= Diana´s last blog ..Happy Labor Day! =-.

    • reddirtramblin says

      9 September, 2009 at 2:59 pm

      Yes, Diana, you have a way to go before fall starts nipping at your heels. Hope you're getting rain. The radar says you are.

  13. Patty Lee says

    7 September, 2009 at 6:49 pm

    I am also excited about planning for next spring – but I am having trouble picking out a climbing rose. I live just north of the Red River, and have an arbor on the west side of my yard. Is there any climbing rose that could survive that exposure? New Dawn loves it on the southeast side of the house. Should I give up and try some other vine? I have dreams of a beautiful entry to my garden.

    • reddirtramblin says

      9 September, 2009 at 3:02 pm

      Hi Patty Lee, gee, west exposure is hot, hot, hot. However, call the folks at Chamblee's Roses (you can search for them on google) and ask them about 'Cl. Old Blush' or 'Cl. Pinkie'. Mine both grow in full sun, but they aren't against a house. They may have some other suggestions too. Good luck.

  14. Lisa at Greenbow says

    7 September, 2009 at 10:30 pm

    Good idea to get those bulbs now. I usually wait until it is almost too late. achoooo. Oh excuse me, the rag weed ya know.

    • reddirtramblin says

      9 September, 2009 at 3:03 pm

      Lisa, LOL! God Bless You. Blasted ragweed.

  15. Gail says

    7 September, 2009 at 9:23 pm

    Dee, Tulipa 'Purple Dream' is a dream! Love the color and shape. You know I haven't finished ordering bulbs….besides, it looks like the squirrels dined on the tulips from last year….I am going to visit Southern Bulb. What did you order? gail

    • reddirtramblin says

      7 September, 2009 at 9:52 pm

      Hi Gail, I did love 'Purple Dream' and her pointed petals. Let's see, I ordered from all three companies. I love them all, but from Southern Bulb I will receive red resurrection lilies (naked ladies), 'Lady Jane' tulip (a species type), pink rain lilies and a couple of daffodils. I'm sorry about the blasted squirrels. Hate them at times.~~Dee

  16. Carol says

    7 September, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    Good advice on bulbs for anyone, not just those in Oklahoma. It makes spring so much nicer to have the bulbs all flowering at Easter time. And I love the tie in to your game with Bear. May a little piece of her never be too old to play that game with you!

    • reddirtramblin says

      7 September, 2009 at 9:52 pm

      Thanks Carol. You're right, everyone gets tired and needs that spring boost don't they?~~Dee

  17. Kathy Purdy says

    7 September, 2009 at 6:30 pm

    Yes, I need to get those catalogs out. Find it funny that you call your winter "the great rest." I guess I should call our summer, "the brief intermission."

    • reddirtramblin says

      7 September, 2009 at 9:53 pm

      Kathy, I am truly laughing. Your summer could be called a "respite from winter snows" or something like that.~~Dee

  18. Mr. McGregor's Daughter says

    7 September, 2009 at 12:50 pm

    What a sweet game you & Bear played. It is hard to thing about spring bulbs when you’re still wearing shorts, but it is a good idea to order early, order often. I like your mystery Daffodils, reverse yellow bicolors are my favorite.
    .-= Mr. McGregor’s Daughter´s last blog ..The Best Laid Plans =-.

    • reddirtramblin says

      7 September, 2009 at 9:54 pm

      Thanks MMD. I loved that game, and it kept my brain young because I kept having to think of things which went with each other. Bear giggled today when I told her I was writing about it. I love those daffs too, and the reverse is one of my faves.~~Dee

  19. Annie in Austin says

    7 September, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    My birdseed Sunflower looks a lot like yours, Dee – and maybe your post will inspire me to get some Spanish bluebells like MSS grows – think they are classified as Hyacinthoides now? It's been a crummy year here (don't even see ragweed!), but there are a few oxblood lilies pushing up, reminding me that bulbs can be pretty tough!

    You and your daughter have a cool game – "I love you like the flowers love the rain.”

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

    • reddirtramblin says

      7 September, 2009 at 9:56 pm

      Oh, Annie, I know, you Austinites have had a miserable summer. I am so sorry. Yes, bulbs are tough like you gardeners. You both persevere when not much else can. I'm sending rain blessings to you right now.~~Dee

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