I received a box of Tulipa 'Ballerina' - quality flowerbulbs from Holland in the mail with a note... suggesting that I could 'force' them for some winter blooms. Kathleen had been quite successful with this project; I should try it... I was assured, by Fred, that all I would need is a bowl, some small stones (marbles, perhaps) and some water. I knew I would need lots of time with the internet to research forcing tulips... So, all right...here we go: 
A bowl and some marbles....
"Add water to just below the top of the pebbles: set the bulbs on top, pointed end up (well, yeah!). Maintain that water level and leave the bulbs in a cool location with little or no light for a week or two." Tip 5. Tug gently on the plants from time to time to test for root development. Once they feel rooted, move them to a well-lit spot out of direct sunlight. The bulbs should flower in 3 to 5 weeks. For now, the 'planted' bulbs are in the basement (a cool location with little or no light). Stay tuned... In the meantime, any and all suggestions are welcome.
