Spring is Here

Three summers ago, with the help of family, Casey and I landscaped our front and back yards. We bought the house I grew up in from my dad and let's just say...landscaping hadn't necessarily been our first priority for many years. Unless...does mowing the lawn count? I didn't think so.

Well, so landscaping wasn't our second...or third priority either. To say that we overhauled the yard after buying the house would truly be an understatement. I could not believe the number of comments we got from passersby and neighbors, even our mailman had an opinion. But I digress...

There is a bed at the front of the house that, historically, could kill anything (my mom can attest that nothing would grow). We found out first hand when we planted five spirea and two of them were dead before summer's end. I stood out there and watered for what seemed like hours every day, but it just wasn't enough. The heat of the sun beat on the bricks and just baked the plants in the bed. (unintentional, yet impressive alliteration, no??) The spirea were replaced and after hooking up a soaker hose (best thing ever!) the sun was welcomed because we had underestimated how much water the plants actually needed.

However, even pre-soaker hoses when nothing would grow, there would always be a random tulip or two from years ago that would poke it's colorful head and bloom without fail. While they're pretty and I appreciate their hard work, they kind of screw up the "look" we're going for, so I would carefully pluck them - bulb and all - to restore the unity of the bed. Try as I might, I haven't been able to get them all.

This year is no exception. From behind the spirea, which so far aren't much to look at, peaks one fancy, red tulip (and some unsightly weeds, but they're not the point). Now, my thumb is only very light green and I'm still amazed by perennials (aren't you?), so when I look at the tulip I can't help but be proud of it. Good for you, Tulip, for braving the ridiculous Wisconsin winter and coming back this year. It's nice to see you again and I'm happy to have you as a reminder that spring is, in fact, finally here (nevermind the snow we had two weeks ago).

Since I couldn't be more excited for spring and days spent outside...this year at least, the tulip stays.