Division 3 - Triumph Tulips
Tulips, Blog Heather Bolen Tulips, Blog Heather Bolen

Division 3 - Triumph Tulips

Triumph tulips (Division 3) are the largest tulip group and among the most popular. Tulips in this group are classic, renowned for their compact, sturdy appearance, and simple single flower shape. They are tall, mid-season bloomers, and come in a variety of colors, including bi-colored. They are terrific for forcing.

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15 Tulip Divisions
Blog, Tulips Heather Bolen Blog, Tulips Heather Bolen

15 Tulip Divisions

There are over 150 different species in the Tulipa genus, with over 3,000 different varieties registered to date, and more to come as plant breeders continue creating new hybrids. That’s a lot to sort through! As such, to aid nurseries and gardeners in breeding, planting, and garden design., tulips are classified into 15 different groups based on common characteristics they share, such as shape, heritage, and flowering time.

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Division 2 - Double Early Tulips
Tulips, Blog Heather Bolen Tulips, Blog Heather Bolen

Division 2 - Double Early Tulips

Double Early tulips (Division 2) have a showy, peony-like appearance with their double row of petals. Their bowl-shaped blooms are almost as wide as they are high and come in a variety of colors, often exhibiting a contrasting color. Double Earlies are short (8-12") but their sturdy stems easily withstand adverse spring weather conditions. Some blooms are even fragrant!

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Division 1 - Single Early Tulips
Blog, Tulips Heather Bolen Blog, Tulips Heather Bolen

Division 1 - Single Early Tulips

Explore early spring magic with Single Early Tulips! Blooming in late March to mid-April, these 8-16" beauties boast strong stems and a burst of vibrant 3" cup-shaped blooms. With a rich history predating the 17th century, many are heirloom tulips that offer a timeless charm in various hues. Perfect for bedding, forcing, and cut flowers – plant now for a stunning display!

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Salon Interview: Emily Kontos
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Salon Interview: Emily Kontos

Join me in conversation with Emily Kontos, a public health expert and an Instagram sensation in the thrifting world. Emily’s knack for styling tables and the home with affordable used finds has caught the attention of tens of thousands. Yet, behind the glossy, gorgeous images on social media, Emily is a mom, a wife, a PhD, and an activist for public health, mental health, cancer, and autism.

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36 hours — A Perfect Travel Guide
Blog, Travel Heather Bolen Blog, Travel Heather Bolen

36 hours — A Perfect Travel Guide

I’m a huge fan of Taschen Books, and a huge fan of The New York Times travel column 36 Hours. So, of course, these beautifully-formated, bestselling volumes featuring the crème de la crème of the travel series are at the top of my list of best books to give as holiday gifts.

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Get the Gusto
Blog Heather Bolen Blog Heather Bolen

Get the Gusto

GUSTO is a word in both Spanish and Italian that captures a vibrant feeling of taste and pleasure. Zest. I first fell in love with Casa Gusto for their hand-made and hand-painted white tole tulips, but everything about the studio is positively dreamy. A design haven.

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Salon Interview: Natalie Candrian
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Salon Interview: Natalie Candrian

Join me in conversation with Swiss illustrator, Natalie Candrian. A former designer at Nike, Natalie is the creative force behind the signature high-tech apparel and footwear used by a number of professional athletes. In this inspiring interview, Natalie talks about designing for Olympic gold, the art of storytelling, the world of sports, and being the only woman in the room.⁠

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A Day Out at NYBG
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A Day Out at NYBG

I played hooky with my son last week, and we spent the day at the New York Botanical Garde—in all its autumn splendor. It wasn’t all play and no work, however. We each did a little homework, and mine was gorgeous. Peek inside!

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Salon Interview: Aurélie Salmon Lahad
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Salon Interview: Aurélie Salmon Lahad

Join me in conversation with French illustrator, Aurélie Salmon Lahad. Aurélie talks about what brings her joy, about connecting with nature, and about the ups and downs of her journey to becoming an artist—a label she’s only recently come to more fully embrace.

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Clara Peeters: Still Life Pioneer
Blog, Art History Heather Bolen Blog, Art History Heather Bolen

Clara Peeters: Still Life Pioneer

Discover the Dutch Golden Age painter who inspired The Met’s “Bouquet of Flowers “collection. Peeters was a founding figure in the European history of the still life. Her contribution to the art world is significant, not only for her exquisite paintings but also because she carved out a space for herself in a field that was largely male-dominated at the time.

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The Tulip Stairs
Blog, Tulips Heather Bolen Blog, Tulips Heather Bolen

The Tulip Stairs

The famed Tulip Stairs in Greenwich's Queen's House are an architectural marvel, but there’s been a long-standing debate about the design of the iron balustrade that embraces this staircase. Are they tulips or the traditional fleur-de-lys?⁠

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