Tulips, Tulips!! And... a Blue Tarp

I've never planted bulbs before.  The few that I had in my yard were planted by the previous owner or naturalized.  So when I planted tulips late last fall.... very late.... in December, I wasn't sure anything would actually come up, but I'm happy to say they did and I'm really enjoying the spring show. 

I planted one of those 40 variety packs that I picked up from Lowes.  This was a bit of risk since you never know what is going to come up and in what colors, but I was pleasantly surprised.  I wish I had bought another pack and spaced them a bit closer so they would look fuller, but it was my first try out of the gate so I can't complain much.

The ones below weren't in the variety pack - I picked them out separately and wasn't sure if they blended with the flowers in the variety pack.... they don't really, but I don't care since I'm not a garden designer and I'm really just thrilled that things come up at all.  I may move them after they finish blooming.  

Some close ups of variety pack bulbs.  The colors are stunning and they almost look like poppies.

I also planted some petite daffodils and grape hyacinth, which you can see in the post below.  It's so nice when your gardening efforts pay off unexpectedly. 

Ok...  I had to post this picture.... It's our embarassing blue tarp!  It's only peeking out in the upper right of this picture because I can't bare to take a close up of it.  Yes it's right in the front of the house and mucking up the scenery.  Grace, this one's for you! LOL 

You see last fall we had some rain damage to our house which only got worse over the winter.  We got some insurance money (thank God!) but couldn't fix it all winter long because it was too cold.  Then hubby got busy and so his solution (God help me... it certainly wasn't my solution) was to place a BLUE tarp over the offending area until he could get it fixed. 
 
Since Andy never does anything the easy way he has decided (and actually I agree) to not replace what's there but to add a farmer's porch and stone wall to this part of the house.  Great idea I say!!  Love it!!!  Now may mercy help me because this project is going to take all summer long and be a mess.  I'll document the progress and try not to check myself into the psychiatric ward while it's going on.  Wish me luck - I'm gonna need it!