Wyoming Gardens

Tulips

Tulips originated on the steppes of Asia Minor and the Caucasus, thriving in climates with long cool springs and dry summers, much like Wyoming. Wet soil in winter will actually cause the dormant bulbs to rot. Species tulips perennialize well and are wonderful in rock gardens in sweet clusters or naturalized drifts.

Sometimes known as the Persian Tulip. It’s origins are Northern Afghanistan. The red striped exterior of the long lasting blooms create pointed flames that open to flat perfect stars, revealing the yellow interior. Plant in full sun, 4 to 5 inches deep and 6 inches apart.

 First cultivated in the late eighteen hundreds, the blooms of this low growing beauty are star shaped, lemony yellow with delicate white tipped petals. Adapts to full sun or partial shade. Plant 4 to 5 inches deep and 6 inches apart.

This early bloomer has striking ruby blossoms that open to reveal a zone of white next to the bluish heart. This dwarf tulip needs to be placed at the garden's edge. Plant 4 to 5 inches deep and 6 inches apart.

Dainty flame orange blooms edged in white with stunning blue black eye. Mix and match with Little Beauty or plant alone to create a fiery wave in the cool spring sunlight. Plant 4 to 5 inches deep and 6 inches apart.

Pictured is both ‘Little Beauty’ and ‘Little Princess’.

Narcissus

 Narcissus or by the common name daffodils, are native to Spain and Portugal. They were brought to Britain by the Romans who thought the sap had healing powers. The sap actually contains calcium oxalate crystals which are skin irritants so it is a good idea to wear gloves when working with the plants.

Small Talk (N. 'Small Talk')

This miniature trumpet daffodil is like a little golden starburst in the garden. Marvelous forced in small pots. Plant 5 Inches deep and 5 inches apart.

This is a classic Narcissi as they were found in the wild, it has been in cultivation since the 1600’s. Funnel shaped golden yellow flowers wave over grass like foliage. Plant 5 inches deep and 5 inches apart.

 Sometimes you just have to indulge. This butterfly Narcissi produces 4 inch blooms of gossamer white with a split cup in swirls of buttercup yellow and deep scarlet orange. Plant 6 to 8 inches deep and 6 inches apart.

Crocus

Crocus are found native from central Europe, east through the Mid East, Central Asia, west to China. They are members of the Iridaceae family which makes them relatives to gladiolas and iris so they don’t produce bulbs, they are called corms. One of the earliest bloomers, they are a cheerful reminder that spring has arrived, even through the snow.

Best planted in cheerful clusters in garden borders, the soft lilac star shaped blooms open to a pink-violet interior with orange stamens. Plant 4 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart.

This crocus, developed in the early 1900’s, is the darkest of the large flowering crocus. The blooms are shades of midnight blue-violet with glowing petal edges. Plant 5 inches deep and 4 inches apart.

Native to the eastern Mediterranean area, this is one of the earliest spring arrivals. Ours have bloomed as early as March. Petals hang like milk white droplets with dainty inner tips of green. Best planted in partial shade in drifts, plant 4 inches deep and 2 to 4 inches apart.

 Sometimes called Glory of the Snow, this Turkish native has vivid blue, star shaped clusters of flowers with large white centers. Plant 4 inches deep and 4 inches apart.

 Another heirloom plant from the 1600’s, squill do well in light sunlight, perfect under trees that haven’t yet leafed out. Trusses of light pink florets produce a delicate scent. Plant 5 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart.

 A stand out in the spring garden, the fine feathered reddish-violet plumes are so unique you will wonder that they really are a hyacinth. Plant 5 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart.

 A charmer in the most glorious shade of pale blue, a unique color found in few other flowers. Plant 5 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart.

Alliums

"Flowering Onions” lend an exotic feel to a garden. The low growing foliage is hidden behind other perennials while the unusually shaped blossoms rise on slender stalks, appearing to be magically suspended above the garden. Latin for garlic, allium does best in full sun and well drained soil.

 This delicate gem has 1 1/2 spheres of cornflower blue florets with dark mid veins. Plant 6 to 8 inches deep and 8 to 10 inches apart.

 Dense egg -shaped flowers of crimson purple, this allium is a must have for late season interest. Naturalizes well. Plant 6 to 8 inches deep and 8 to 10 inches apart.