I guess it's been a couple days with no other responses.... Has your tulip changed further? Shirley seems to start out light cream with a fine edge but then goes to all mauve splatter as the blooms age. Is this maybe what happened?

Deanne...you are such a sweetheart...Thank you! I really do love spring *and* tulips...maybe I should move to Holland...LOL! You cracked me up about the goldfish...I didn't even notice that, but it really is rather clever...isn't it? LOL! Wish I could take credit for it. Maybe I should build on that idea though and add some other orange flowers to the bed! :-) I didn't see the hummingbird aviary...I'm going to have to ask Anita about that. We did see lots of hummingbirds though, both at the DBG and at Anita's house too. Was it you or was it Babs who had that great photo op of a hummingbird last year? I tried to take their pics, but in all my photos they were either too far away to notice, moved to fast, or the pics came out blurry. I am definitely *not* a photographer, but I really do enjoy having the camera, it has made gardening so much easier for me. Yes Michelle, I am fascinated with nature in Arizona it is *so* different than here. Still, while I think it is very beautiful, I don't think I could live there. I'm too fond of the four seasons (well, maybe not so crazy about winter) and what would I do without tulips!?! Paul has talked about moving there though, but the only thing that would even make me consider it is the fact that Anita is there. Thanks Marian...you are so sweet and so kind and encouraging. I wish you could meet Anita, I know you would like her right off. Ei

Thanks for the comments everyone... I wanted a bed with plenty of oranges, apricots, yellows, and pinks. For those who want names: (Fragrant Cloud, Tahitian Sunset, Valencia, Day Breaker, Marilyn Monroe, Brass Band, Touch of Class, St Patrick, Perfect Moment, Tropical Sunset, Elina, Shiela's Perfume, Chicago Peace, Pirst Prize, Paris d'Yves St. Laurent, and Tournament of Roses) Rest assured, I'll be posting plenty of pics when they bloom! Mark

just speculating.. i dont know how what you did .... could change the genetics of the plant.. enough to change flower color ... so i suspect a vendor issue ... [unless those chems you use could do that????] let us know what they say ... otherwise.. you look like you have the system down pretty good.. with your other successes ... congrats ... welcome to the forums ... ken