We can’t grow lilacs in these parts, and tulips are often iffy. But these little ‘Lilac Wonder’ tulips (Tulipa bakeri ‘Lilac Wonder’) look promising in their first season.

I planted the bulbs last fall, and was thrilled when the first blossoms peeked above the ground a few weeks ago.

I was surprised to see the blossoms hugging the ground when they opened. They’re demure –  nothing like a big Holland tulip – but they’re cheerful and they are hopefully not one-shot wonders. Becky at the Arbor Gate says hers naturalized.

This week, they grew legs.

A first-year garden is kind of a pitiful thing, all that mulch still visible; but this is a good start.