Many of Mark's comments mirror my feelings as well. The large showy tulips approach garish costumes at times and they frequently dwindle. I have planted and kept a number of species tulips that have persisted and flower regularly every year. My favorite at the moment is Tulipa ferganica followed closely by Tulipa acuminata. Others that have done well: T. altaica T. aucheriana T. bakeri T. clusiana T. humilis T. tarda T. urumiensis Planted in normal garden soil with a handful of grit added below each bulb. Arnold New Jersey