
A few weeks ago, I brought some tulip bulbs into the house from the cold confines of the garage and placed them on a bed of rock and water. They began to grow almost immediately, and this week they bloomed. They are a short variety of tulip called Antoinette. As they mature, they will lose their vibrant yellow color and become creamy. They are delightful to see as we gather at the kitchen table. A burst of Springtime for the winter-weary; they bring high hopes for warmer weather in March.
This is the first time I’ve posted on IAVOM (In A Vase on Monday) in quite a while. There hasn’t been much in the garden to pick and display. Thanks to the host, Rambling in the Garden. I’ve enjoyed being able to take part this week.

I am not a fan of bulbs. They disappear in winter, and then you hope they come back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Daffodils always come back for me. Tulips, they are iffy for sure. That’s why I like to force them in the house, then I just throw them out. They still cost less than buying a pot if I force them as bulbs. I also get a lot more variety that way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They look so lovely
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, they are very delicate in person, but so lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They do look nice
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Joanne, they are giving me days of beautiful color. When I go into the kitchen my eyes are drawn to them.
LikeLike
Gosh, who would have thought you could do this with tulips? I tend to lift my tulips and throw them out, because they don’t reliably return, but I might try lifting some to force over winter after reading this…just growing on pebbles too! They are lovely, and must be such a joy for you to see in real life
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used a packet I bought at the grocery store. I left them in the cold garage for several months and hoped they had enough cold when I brought them in. They did! I think tulips lifted from the garden might do even better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your colorful forced tulips! As my climate doesn’t offer the winter chill most of the large tulip bulbs need when planted in the ground, I try to find forced bulbs in local garden centers. I’ve yet to see any this year but my species tulips (Tulipa clusiana) have been relatively reliable about coming back the past few years and I’m hopeful they’ll provide another good showas spring progresses.
https://krispgarden.blogspot.com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have put packages in my vegetable fridge drawer, and that works for me. But if you live in a warm climate, they probably aren’t even available to purchase, maybe mail order?
LikeLike
I’ve purchased the large tulip bulbs before and chilled them in our fridge but, inevitably once I’ve potted them up, our warm Santa Ana winds take the flowers out before they bloom. Only those just about to bloom in the garden centers have a real chance of flowering.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you have the garden centers. I can’t resist buying a few pots of tulips and other spring bulb plants at the local garden centers. We have a fruit stand near us and they sell beautiful plants. The times is almost here. Hooray!
LikeLike
I love this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! And what’s even better, I have a second package of them in the cold confines of my garage, and I think I will start another vase today. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am “winter-weary” and your post brought color and joy!🌷🌷
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thanks so much. Your comment makes me happy in return.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, that’s amazing! I had no idea you could grow them like that! What a lovely vase to have on your table and watch them grow. 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is beautiful and is lasting a long time. There are a few bulbs that are blooming later, so I should have them for another week. I hope so…fingers crossed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the happy vase of tulips. So cheerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is getting taller, and the petals are bursting out like fireworks. It is delightful.
LikeLike