Simple Tips To Keep Your Tulips Looking Gorgeous
Tulips are from Holland, right? Not exactly. Tulips are actually from Turkey. Tulip means Turban in Turkish. Regardless of the origin of Tulips they are a beautiful flower that people of many backgrounds enjoy.
Experts would term tulips as perennials, however they are generally thought of as annuals. They can be termed annuals because of how you take care of them and their blooming cycle. Tulip bulbs should be planted around the end of October and beginning of November as any experienced gardener knows.
What type of soil is best for tulip bulbs? Sandy soil is the best option. Sandy soil helps with drainage from the tulip. Verify that you use a planter properly otherwise your tulips might not drain. If tulips don't drain properly then they can rot more easily.
If you do not have naturally sandy soil in the area where you live, it is fine to just add some sand and a little compost to your soil. Whatever you do, make sure that the soil is fairly dry when digging and planting bulbs.
There is no specific depth that the experts recommend you plant a tulip. This is due in large part to the fact that tulip bulbs come in a wide variety of sizes. For a rough idea of how deep to plant the bulbs, measure the length. Then, multiply that length by three and plant the bulbs at that depth. Although not an ideal solution, this rough idea will net you more tulips in the springtime than simply planting your bulbs at a uniform depth.
Tulips are great at warding off flower disease. However, they are not immune to everything. Usually you will see "tulip fire" which leaves the stems stunted and deformed. Brown patches will surface on the stunted stems and leaves. If this occurs then you need to completely get rid of the tulips and start again.
If you don't want to buy new bulbs every year you can dig up the tulip bulbs each season. Make sure that you keep them in a cool, dry place until you can plant them again. They can rot even when they are not in the ground. Therefore, proper storage is of the utmost importance. You should dig up your bulbs when the leaves and foliage are completely dry.
Tulips are a beautiful addition to any garden and the aroma is wonderful. If you cut tulips to display them make sure to add some sugar to the water. This will let the tulips live another week longer. Whether you enjoy tulips in the garden or on your kitchen table, they are a nice addition to your surroundings.
About the author: Hugo Bolzonello writes exclusively for US Tulips, it's one of the webs most up to date Tulips sites, while you're there sign up for the free newsletter.
Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com
Lora Severson Photography offers tulip photography like the photo above on a wide array of unique gifts and as fine art prints. From tulip greeting cards and calendars to coffee mugs and t-shirts and apparel, she's got it all. Visit her website www.LoraSeversonPhotography.com for some ideas for unique women's gifts and unique best friend gifts.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Easter White Daffodils
Many think of the Easter Lily when they think of Easter flowers. However, did you know that the Daffodil in springtime actually symbolizes a reawakening and rebirth. For this reason, I think it is a great Mascot of Easter.
When you are bringing flowers to a friend, always bring more than one daffodil; as only one daffodil is said to bring misfortune.
While looking for good fortune, it is also folklore that to avoid trampling on a bed of daffodils will bring good luck.
The date for Easter this year is March 23, 2008. This is calculated by the first full moon on or after March 21 every year.
Be ready with your Easter cards and gifts from Lora Severson Photography. These Easter cards featuring botanical photography all have coordinating postage stamps to create a great set.
This picture of a white daffodil in the morning sun is also available as a Fine Art Print through Imagekind.com. (without the text) New at Imagekind are greeting cards printed on high quality papers. A thoughtful gift for the flower lover in your life at Easter time!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Spring Tulip Garden
Spring and Easter will be upon us before you know it and with that I am showcasing my Roadside Spring Tulip Garden photograph. This picture of colorful tulips was taken along a rural roadside in Illinois. Every year I looked forward to the spring blooms but sadly, the road expanded this year to make a turning lane and all the tulip bulbs were dug up. Luckily the flower garden will live on in my photos.
I have designed this photograph and others similar to it into beautiful Easter Cards and different All Occasion Greeting Cards.
For the tulip or garden lover, I also offer this as a custom framed and matted Fine Art Print. Great for Mother's Day gifts also.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Red Bleeding Hearts for Valentine's Day
into this black and white photo with red tinted heart flowers. And I am going to tell you how to do it in Photoshop.
- I always start by making a copy of my original so in case I make a mistake, I always have a back-up.
- Next, with the magic wand tool, I outline all the red flowers or whatever I want to tint. Take your time with this part to get all areas you want selected. It can be tedious, but it pays off in the end.
- Once the flowers are selected, invert the selection and desaturate the background. This will leave the flowers red and turn the background to black and white. If you didn't get your original selection right, then invert again and touch up any areas you need to and repeat process.
I have designed this photograph into Floral Valentine's Day Cards and Gifts
on my Zazzle.com store. As always, a complete overview of my photography work can be found at www.LoraSeversonPhotography.com
