Though it’s one of my favorite flowers, I do not grow tulips in the garden. The main reason being that they just don’t last. There are supposedly perennial varieties that come back for five or so years, but I want a promise that lasts longer than that. I’ve also heard tales told of singular bulbs coming back for over a decade, but who wants a single flower?
In addition to their sporadic lifespan, they prove delectable treats for all our woodland creatures, and every time I’ve planted them at least half get devoured by whatever squirrels or chipmunks happen to be hungry. I cannot be bothered to do battle with that.
But every year around this time (or a bit later as our schedules seems to be running) I’™ll happen upon a bouquet that forces me to lean in and inhale their spicy floral sweetness. I’ll remember the flower that so captivated me in my childhood, and I’ll smile at the memories that come flooding back.
