Monday, May 6, 2013

In the Yard

Right on schedule, the squirrels have struck.

Is there anything worse than squirrels with revenge in their hearts?


This is what I think I know about tulips:

  • Squirrels are mad for ours, but not as a food source.  As far as I can tell, they just like to pop off the heads -- for fun and clearly out of spite.
  • Many gardeners consider tulips an annual in Chicago because the winters are so abominable. Our bulbs, however, have managed to soldier on, depleted in number, but holding on these past 10 years. 
  • Oddly, this variety closes at night. Have I overlooked this characteristic in Tulips 101? It's like having 2 different flowers -- coral/salmony at night, flaming red in the morning.
  • Tulips show up in strange and unremembered places.


(Is there anything better than a rogue tulip? I have no memory of planting this bulb.)


And then there's the field of Bluebells, which we inherited. It spreads so vigorously I am sure that one of these days, I will be drinking coffee and look down to see plants growing through the kitchen floor. "Hi!" they will say. "We're spreading. Pick up your feet."

Tell me how your garden grows and who/what you are battling this time of year.

FYI: Naperville Now is going to take a break from posting. I am contemplating a move to a different host, possibly under a different name. I need to gather my rosebuds while I may (and fight the squirrel population of Will County) to determine the next best thing. Thanks for reading.

Each week Naperville Now participates in Mrs. Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday. See what others are writing about the letter Y here.

12 comments:

Kathy and Freddy said...

Please don't take a long break!!!
I think your rogue tulip was an "I'm sorry" gift from the squirrels.
See you in a few days!!!

BFL said...

Say it ain't so. I will miss you!!!!!!

Maureen Wyatt said...

I've never heard of squirrels popping the heads off turnips. You must have done something terribly offensive to them. I can't think why you would want to leave us. We love you!

carol l mckenna said...

Oh ~ we will miss you and your wonderful photos ~ beautiful post for Y ~ wishing you the best ~ ^_^

Pondside said...

I hope you'll let us know about your new name and home so that we can follow.
We don't have trouble with squirrels here - it's the deer that eat the tulips!

SarahBeth said...

Squirrels just want to have fun! Enjoy your blog break!

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

Make sure you let us know where to find you!!!!


love any plant that volunteers in my garden...

Eden House News and views said...

Lovely photos

Unknown said...

We also found a rogue tulip in our garden and never ever remembering of planting them.Please let us know where to find you :) we don't want to miss out your post and lovely photos.

Pam Beers. said...

Squirrels are cute critters, but they can be pesky little varmints.

Keep us posted on your posts.

Pam Beers. said...

Thanks for your comment on "Yellow Brick Road". My personal interpretation of the Good Witch vs. the Bad Witch is our own inner struggle with what's totally honest and right, vs. those little white lies that get us out of jams we get ourselves into from time to time.

Politically speaking the bad witch of the east represented the wealthy railroad tycoons of the time, along with the industrialists, while the good witch represented the workers and the farmers.

Another take on the witches: Both witches were symbols of the warring political parties and their significant differences.

Jenny said...

Oh.

I'm excited for you to have a break!

You can stir up all kinds of trouble, I suspect!

My daughter's cat is forever popping the head off tulips, too!

Your pictures made me laugh!

Thanks for participating in A-T!

You've been lovely to visit!

And I hope to see you again soon!

Hugs, happy wishes and A++++