Tulip Tips from Chicago Gardeners

Most plants shake off winter slowly—but not spring-flowering bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils. Little bundles of dynamite, they explode with color, creating brilliant displays even before the last traces of snow have vanished.

Hank and Leah Christensen know all about the allure of spring bulbs. They plant them by the thousands for a blooming extravaganza that lasts April through May. The Christensens planted the first wave 10 years ago, when the couple asked friend and garden designer Marcia Ellis to landscape the spacious yard around their Victorian house in the Chicago suburb of Grayslake, Illinois. Marcia added sweeping borders in front and a fenced-off flower garden in back.