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My tulip tree...

Just wanted to share a quick story about my new "tulip tree"

Last fall I decided I would like to plant bulbs for the first time. I went to Lowes and bought a bag that included all kinds of spring bulbs including tulips. For the tulips I carefully planned to plant my 5 red and 5 yellow alternating along the walkway.

During the next couple months I started to notice little holes along the side of the walkway. The tulips were being taken away by squirrels! I hoped the squirrels would miss one so that my work and planning would have been somewhat productive.

Spring came, and along the walk not one tulip popped up to welcome the season.

While watching the crazy antics of my chicks in the back yard I noticed something strange. A circle of plants surrounded a tree I had not planted anything under. It was there I found my 5 red and 5 yellow tulips.... as well as purple tulips, pink tulips, and two toned tulips.

I didn't put two and two together until my neighbor mentioned her fustration with the squirrels digging up all her purple tulips.... Now I am guessing I have the neighborhoods supply of tulips under my tree. Should I go door to door trying to return lost tulips? What are the odds the squirrels will just return them to their tulip stash?

In the end most people missing tulips have decided to let our mini gardeners continue their work, and leave the tulip stash intact. Also on the bright side, the tree looks wonderful =)

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Comment by Lila Sanchez --N.MBeach zn10 FL on April 20, 2010 at 9:13pm: This is hilarious !!! Especially whem I realized they where "re-planting" the tulips IN the ground (for safekeeping?) In that case it's a good idea to leave it alone lol! Wonderfull story , the laughter gave my immune system a boost for hrs!
I hear a good squirrel deterrant is planting them wrapped in chicken wire and sprinkling redpepper flakes on the ground after planting.

Comment by Richard Burton on April 20, 2010 at 7:09pm: The only thing that my squirrels plant are acorns. One oak tree in my yard is enough but I would rather they eat the acorns than the vegetables from my garden. So far they haven't taken anything.

Comment by Judi 'Dig in the Dirt' Baker on April 20, 2010 at 7:01am: Just hilarious!!!!!!!!!! I too have the helpful hands/paws of the neighborhood squirrels helping me in my garden!

Comment by Julianne Jusino on April 19, 2010 at 7:57pm: Loved your story. I too have very ambitious squirrels. The first time I planted tulips in the backyard it was like I arranged a squirrel buffet. A few years ago I tried planting my tulips with a few moth balls in the holes. This did help a little. A lot more of my bulbs remained in the ground. Your story though explains why I am growning tulips in places I didn't plant. Happy Spring.

Comment by Sheron Olson zone 5 on April 19, 2010 at 12:53pm: This is a great story but those squirrles can really be something.. I too have the red and yellow then purple on the side of my house. I used everything I could think of and it seems as though they really like the Purple ones! LOL... Sometimes I don't think I planted deep enough.. but you hear about this all the time.. your story is Great. Love it!