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Tulip Garden Update: September 19, 1997 News Flash Order your bulbs immediately! We have just been notified that a shortage of Red Emperor tulip bulbs is expected this fall. Due to wet conditions in Holland, there has been a poor crop this year. Therefore, it's extremely important that you order your tulip bulbs immediately. If you wait until later in the season, the proper bulbs may no longer be available. Purchase the proper bulbs at a local garden store, or order from Journey North's supplier: Netherland Bulb Company: 1-800-788-8547 Substitute Colors Will be Allowed As you know, it's important that we all use the same variety of bulbs in order for the Journey North experiment to be valid. Red Emperor tulips are just one of the several colors available in the "Emperor" group of tulips. Luckily, all bulbs of the Emperor variety, no matter their color, are expected to grow and bloom at the same rate. Therefore, we will allow substitutions this year. You may use any color in the Emperor group, as long as you are sure to plant "Emperor early-blooming tulips"! An Opportunity to Experiment People who purchase bulbs from Netherland Bulb Co. will receive a mixture of colors. This way, they will be able to test whether it's true that all Emperor colors grow equally. Since you will report the FIRST tulips to emerge and bloom next spring, if there is a fast-growing color, by having a mixture of colors you're sure to have it. (You're also sure to have a surprise when you discover their color as they bloom next spring.) Traveling Tulips Our tulips will leave Rotterdam, Holland by boat this Wednesday the 24th. It will take 8 days to cross the Atlantic Ocean, so they are expected to arrive in New York City on Thursday, October 2nd . The next day, the tulips will be trucked to Easton, Pennsylvania--where Netherland Bulb Company will pack them up and send them to you! Two New Lessons Now Available These lessons were posted today in Journey North's Online Teacher's Manual Phenology Data Exchange Phenology is the study of seasonal changes in nature, as influenced by weather and climate. It's time to start collecting phenology "clues" about your region. In December, you will be able to chose a mystery partner school. Then, using Nature's clues, you'll try to discover where your partner is located. Understanding Microclimates: A Matter of Degrees As you decide where to plant your garden, you must look for a place that best represents the general climate of your region. If you plant in a place that?s warmer or colder than average for your region, your tulips will not be a true indicator of spring's arrival. Watch out for microclimates! (Do you know a microclimate when you see one?) Be sure to read the accompanying message. Happy Planting! If you have any questions or comments about the Tulip Garden Study, be sure to contact us at our feedback form The Next Tulip Garden Update Will be Posted on October 17, 1997