You folks are so sweet! Thanks for sharing your comments---it is good to know that the pictures bring a little smile to your day.
One tulip I grow (Scarlet Baby) in an occasional year will bloom at the end of March, but the big tulip show arrives in April and continues into May. Helps make spring my favorite season.
Cal: if you were to try a tulip, what I have read is best for southern climates is Tulip clusiana, but NOT one of the cultivars! The straight species apparently is best (red and white with a purple heart). I've read that it grows in Alabama at least. Might be worth a try in your zone.
