The tulip is the perfect bulb to add ribbons of drama throughout an early spring garden. The excitement is palpable each morning as we wait for the warmth of the sun to unfurl the ripe flowerheads, revealing an explosion of vibrant colour. The 'Shabby-Chic' planting to the south of the house is punctuated with papal-purple flowerheads, stunning against the young lime foliage. To the east, the skyline is a cloud of tequilla orange - a mis-planting which has resulted in an unexpected triumph. This is our third year of experimenting with tulips for a dramatic stage set & the results far exceed expectation. We are eternally grateful to our friend Helen, a gifted plantswoman for her inspirational planting. We have taken the decision to lift the bulbs each year after flowering & then to replant in the autumn to ensure a spring the garden bedecked in jewel-like splendour. This week's stunning weather has brought the Tulip Fiesta forward at least four weeks - like a pagent in preparation for a summer spectacular.
