I poured over my gardening magazines, trying to figure out exactly what I wanted to do with it on a very limited budget. I decided to plant tulips in soft yellow, soft pink and a few bright red for a pop of color and to add liveliness.
I went to a local chain hardware store, where I could buy 250 bulbs for about twenty bucks. I got 100 each of the yellow and pink, and a bag of 50 of the red. I planted such a large quantity, because you have to plan on at least half of those being ruined by our furry friends that inhabit our yard; and yes, that's even with the help of the fox piss.
All winter I waited, and waited, and waited. I was so excited to see how all my hard work would pay off -- a full day of planting bulbs, fertilizing and multiple applications of powdered urine.
In April, this is what I received...
It's okay. You can laugh. I think it's hilarious.
Somehow, my beautiful bed ended up being something totally unexpected. This is the story of my life (and here's where I can compare my children and their medical mysteries with the tulips, but I won't -- but I will say that I love my boys with all my heart even though they are like the tulips, constantly surprising me with the unexpected).
And I think it's okay. I laugh every time I see my tulips. And when I look at other people's beautiful beds I think it's kind of sad how their garden has no humor.
So, my bipolar tulips have inspired me to make a quilt. And I'm going to make it out of (what most people consider to be) obnoxious colors.
I've chosen bright, eye-scaring bright, pinks, yellows and oranges. So far, this is what I have...
All the clothing materials have been thrifted. And I initially was only going to repurpose clothing. But the quilting stores have gotten the better of me, so I have a few fat quarters to go with it. I'm going to make it a crazy quilt (and the ladies at one local quilt shop are so! excited! to! help! me!).
I don't know when I'm going to get time to start the quilt, but I'm hoping fairly soon (you know, after I make some pillowcases and a few more bags). And I think I'll be lucky if I get it done within a year.
One thing is for certain... I'm sure they'll be a lot more surprises in store for me.
12 comments:
You're so funny. Yes, unexpected, but the flowers are still beautiful--prettier than anything I have in my garden, that's for sure! Your quilt is going to be so cool...can't wait to see how it turns out.
Oh your flowers are beautiful...it's nice when the unexpected is not a bad thing! Only about 10 of my 50 bulbs came up. boo. And I think your quilt will be beautiful! They aren't obnoxious colors at all.
*Are you feeling better yet? How are the boys doing?
I am sure your quilt will turn out great. That yellow and orange large floral will pop, in a good way. You should take a look at the scrap quilt discussion thread on the Use What You Have group on Flickr -- Loosetooth has posted some really pleasing sections of a scrap quilt she is working on -- kind of crazy quilt-ish...
Ever see those kids who just stand by their moms, quiet, never darting after strangers or in front of a truck to see what kind it is? Ever wonder how boring they'll be, after you scream at your own kids to GET THE HELL OUTA THE ROAD!!! ???
Your flowers are the inquisitive, fun, if exhausting children... Other people's gardens to which you refer are the boring, predictable, "easy" kids.
(and y'all know what I mean, so please don't send hatemail my way.)
As to your quilt... I LOVE THOSE COLORS, and used to have a fab flowered quilt, a la 1979, in just those colors!!
I love to read your posts bc you can turn any situation into something funny and I always laugh and smile as I read your words. I think you sound like you are feeling bettah ! Love the quilt fabric combo.
Oh, that is tooo great! I think I'll bookmark this entry and read it whenever I have a bad day...
And about those colours-- seems like that's all my girls are wearing these. Ouch! for the eyeballs, but kind of cheery, you know?
I love the story, and the garden, and I can completely relate to learning to love the unexpected. The quilt is going to be a masterpiece. If I made one, it would be just like my life ... random, obnoxious, and abstract. ;)
You sound a lot better, BTW. I hope that means you're getting healthy!
Once again - you have me cracking up. I think your tulip garden is GORGEOUS! Bipolar tulips. LMAO. Don't we ALL have mysterious medical issues? Ok - and I LOVE the colors you have chosen for your quilt! Can't wait to see the finished product.
I love your garden and your quilt colors! Pink, yeah! Most especially I love your ability to turn lemons into lemonaide. You are truly and inspiration.
I am taking a quilting class next Saturday, you have inspired me. Thanks.
Your quilt colours are FAB. And so are your flowers. Tulips are wierd - in our old garden we had a clump of yellow and a clump of red and they mutated and went all striped. Keep watching your space!
Funny you should say that, Ali. The yellow tulips with red stripes are new this year. I looked out there and said WTF?
Marsha - I'm so excited you're taking a quilting class!
Angela - I'm still sick, still have a fever (WTF? after 36 hours I'm still running a temp) and still congested, but not as bad. Boys are doing better too. We reschualed Easter dinner with my parents to next Sunday (along with the egg hunt), but we are still doing baskets tomorrow morning.
Thanks everyone for liking the tulips, I still think they are hilarious. And I can't wait to start on the quilt!
I'm glad your flower bed can bring you that much joy! It's even more special that way!
Love the pink. No - I really do. I LOVE PINK!
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