Don't be stingy with your bulbs. That is a valuable tip that I learned from Hank and Leah Christensen, whose lovingly cared-for home is inspiring. Each spring, the front garden overflows with a sea of pink and white tulips, complementing the Victorian-inspired house that was built in 1895.

To create this spring "event," the couple has planted thousands of tulip and narcissus bulbs over the years. They dig in approximately 1,500 bulbs every fall and have already ordered 2,300 for next spring. Just when most of us need a break from winter's grip, these bulbs burst out of the pachysandra, dancing around the pink, white and green wraparound porch. One has to plant in numbers to achieve this effect!

Leah loves using bulbs. "Bulbs don't disappoint," she says. "Even for beginners." When I asked her "Why pink?" she replied, "It makes my heart sing." And everyone else's when they walk or drive by the home.

In addition to the front yard, the Christensen garden includes approximately five distinct garden areas on two-thirds of an acre. Behind the house, a "cottage garden" is contained by a white picket fence on two sides where a yellow and purple color scheme dominate. Leah enjoys the feeling of controlled chaos in this garden.

The "secret garden" appears farther down the path defined by a pink and white gazebo sitting serenely among spruce trees. As you approach, a path becomes visible and it meanders across the back end of the shadiest and wildest part of the yard.

Foremost, the Christensens' passion for tulips en masse has established an atmosphere of abundance and delight in their garden. By their example, I am spurred on to place my bulb order now -- and splurge!

Leah's final tip: "Plant bulbs densely. They will look their best, no matter if you have a large space or a small one."

Ideas, comments or questions? E-mail Susan Randstrom at susansgreengarden@gmail.com.

I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do.- Willa Cather

1. Plant bulbs in soil with good drainage and good sunlight.
2. Follow directions for each type of bulb on the depth of planting so they won't freeze and thaw over the winter.
3. Bulbs should be planted after the ground temperature has chilled to approximately 55 degrees (usually after a killing frost).
4. All flower bulbs bloom according to soil and air temperatures, not the calendar date.
5. Catalog options: John Scheepers, Inc. catalog. Call (860) 567-0838 or browse their Web site at johnscheepers.com. This catalog has many photographs for people who need to see what they are ordering.
For larger orders, call Van Engelen at (860) 567-8734 or use their Web site at www.vanengelen.com.
For a large collection of quality bulbs: Brent and Becky's Bulbs at (877) 661-2852; brentandbeckysbulbs.com.