At last the tulips think it is time to put on a show. Despite the fact that those I thought were going to be late flowerers, and white, have turned out to be early by this year's standards, and primrose yellow, I'm still pleased to see them.
They look like ostrich eggs on the end of their long stalks, and glow bright yellow from within. So even though they are not the classic white beauties I was promised, I'm actually quite happy with my lucky dip. As they are not 'Floridale', as labelled, I wonder what variety they actually are? Answers on a postcard please....
My zinc tub is rather restrained in its palette of tulips so far - very peachy and apricot in its present incarnation. I know that I planted Perestroyka, Apricot Beauty and Abigail in it, so am having to go back to the saved packets to identify them as they emerge. The pointy bulbs will definitely be Persetroyka and I'm pretty sure the smaller ones are Abigail. I think I prefer more punchy colours in this pot though, so may have to rehome these in the flower bed later and have another go with more melodramatic ones next year.
In the flower border, the established residents are still putting on a show, even though they have been in there for a long time. Their blooms are definitely smaller than they used to be, but still worth having.
I think these orange 'Ballerina' tulips are still one of my favourites - so in your face and shouty!