It's not so much the ritual of planting spring bulbs (which has just begun chez Brocket) as the ritual of taking a 3x3 photograph of the most beautiful bulbs of all. I realise that every year I line up nine hyacinth bulbs and photograph them purely because they look so lovely and are so obligingly photogenic. They sit snugly in the palm of my hand, feel smooth and papery, and have an amazing pearlescent sheen that shimmers in the late afternoon light. These are 'Purple Sensation' which have a bronze cast to their deep beetroot red colour. It almost seems a shame to plunge them out of sight, six inches deep in black compost.
So I snap them before I put them to bed and tuck them up for the winter.
They look like red onions.
Posted by: ruth | October 19, 2010 at 16:54
I have 200 of the little lovelies waiting to be 'tucked up for the winter'.
WHAT was I THINKING?!!!!
Oh well, they will look lovely next spring.
Thanks for the reminder that I'd better get to it!
Posted by: Reiki Ree | October 19, 2010 at 18:49
Jane, where have you got such beautiful bulbs from? Last year the Saville Gardens shop had some wondrous bulbs and gorgous bulb vases but they haven't got anything this year and I'm really disappointed! Have you bought from a catalogue, or a local shop? Thanks
Posted by: Katharine | October 19, 2010 at 20:02
About three years ago I was wandering around a part of Bristol I don't usually visit and, as I turned a corner, I was hit by the most incredible perfume. I followed my nose, wondering what the source would be - somehow I didn't click - and there ahead of me, was a garden carpeted with hyacinths. I'd forgotten all about it, but your photograph has reminded me, and I am almost tempted to make a note in my diary to take that route again in a few months' time.
Posted by: Charlotte | October 19, 2010 at 20:04
Your hyacinths will surely bring life to the final,dreary days of winter.
Posted by: Littlesweetknittings | October 19, 2010 at 20:27
For one awful (and positively shortsighted) moment , I thought you'd got the Christmas baubles out...
Posted by: rosie | October 19, 2010 at 22:04
My California native bulbs are beginning to sprout - right on schedule. Soft green blades poking up. Don't want to make you too envious, so I'll stop now.
Posted by: Susan Krzywicki | October 20, 2010 at 04:51
Beautiful bulbs, they are going to look lovely. I can't believe it's the time of year to start planting them again! Sarah
Posted by: homemadegorgeous | October 20, 2010 at 13:35
I can't wait to see photos of the flowers in the spring!
Posted by: Bloomsburybell | October 20, 2010 at 15:25
Love it! :)
Posted by: Emma | October 20, 2010 at 15:34