Question
I am located in southwest Idaho.  I have an area 64 sq. ft. split into two triangular beds.  They are in partial sun.  I have enjoyed planting tulips in these beds, but want advice on a perennial or combination of perennials that will not be in the way of the tulips early, but will give a give a good display the rest of the season. I have had nothing in them other than the bulbs.  I prefer not to get too complicated a scheme.  We live on a farm, and our landscaping is pretty simple.

Answer
Hi Ruth,
Thanx for your question.  If you want something pretty simple for after the tulips bloom I'd go with coreopsis, Sedum Autumn Glory, mums (just keep pinching them back to 6 inches until July 4th), asters or something I think would be great is 4 O'clocks.  They're not perennial in Idaho but they reseed extremely well.  We had them here in Kansas when I was a kid and they came back every year.  The make nice, bushy, low growing shrubs that really don't start emerging until May and start blooming in late June, early July until frost.  They bloom in pinks, reds, yellows and whites.  You can also get a variety that has multiple colors on one  bloom.  They're easy to start and once they get a hold outdoors, they'll come back every year.  I hope this helps.
Tom