Humble Valentine...

Hosted by "Between Naps on the Porch"
I know it's already March, but I thought that this would be a great last Valentine entry for Metamorphosis Monday; graciously hosted by Susan on "Between Naps on the Porch".

This is about the beautiful transformation of the humble $1 tulip plant that my dh got me last year. Remember, 2007 was quite tight, so early 2008, we didn't do much in the way of celebrating to save more pennies to hide in the couch. :-D

This is how it looked when we brought it home from Wal-Mart, February 14, 2008 ...

One week later, a bud emerged...

Then another bud after a few days...

Two days later, I transferred it to the dining table because we were getting a lot of afternoon sun and it was helping with the blossoms...

Here's the next day later in front of the same afternoon sun from a high window...

And look how it turned out!

Another day and the blooms completely opened but for some odd reason, the bulb just never recovered. I'm glad I took pictures...

TABLESCAPING IDEAS: (I just figured my Easter centerpiece! "Brain" would be so proud...) If you have tulip or iris bulbs growing in different stages in different pots, gather them into a big shallow pot. Arrange them in such a way where you can tell the different stages and hide the soil with with either spanish moss or green mossy rocks. This should help focus the conversation on the flowers you're growing. In a mesh bag, place a bulb or two and use them as place cards with each guests' name, as well as to be their take-home favor after dinner. Make sure to tell them or take a picture of the color of the bloom to make it more special. Or, find an inexpensive tall fancy lidded jar with mossy faux rocks inside and surround it with the tulip pots for an elegant look. Surround the centerpiece with white votives or place in between glass taper holders and light the tapers 10 minutes before each guests arrive. For a crisp look, use coordinating tablecloth and dinnerware with minimal pattern to draw the eye towards the gorgeous centerpiece! And there you have it, another great tip from yours truly! (With "Brain's" help, of course!)

I hope you enjoyed the pictures! Had to do this post now, because I'll be off to Walmart grabbing some more tulip pots!