Before anyone is up (apart from Simon who had cycled many miles by this time). Before the sun hits the tulips and makes them open. Before the dew has dried and the air has warmed. Before picking. (In December we found we still had a few bags of narcissi that hadn't been planted with the rest so we bunged them into the last few tulips trenches. The combinations are completely fortuitious, but these sulphur-yellow narcissi and deep Pinot Noir-red 'Jan Reus' tulips are a match made in heaven.)
After picking and before sorting. As I was doing so, it occurred to me that Constance Spry probably never used a mop-bucket for her arrangements, but then I thought that actually, if that was all she had to hand, she probably would have done. She was happy to improvise, and in fact her ability to use what was available was really what made her a flower-arranging genius.
After sorting, and before going in a vase. Then I took the deep orange and pink lily flowered tulips out to leave what is for me quite a controlled, co-ordinated selection.
After sorting and putting in the very useful Munstead No. 3 'flower glass' which Gertude Jekyll used to hold tulips. This morning's pickings were very painterly, with the red and yellow 'Helmar' and deep maroon and gold 'Gavota', plus the the narcissi and 'Jan Reus', all looking like something out of an old Dutch painting.
After several days in the kitchen the tulips are enormous and wide; at the moment the room is filled with tulips at various stages of openness and blowsiness. Just after I photographed these, the vases were emptied and the flowers taken outside.
One last look of admiration before the petals fall, and before chucking on the compost heap. (Phoebe as a huge bunch of over-the-top tulips.)
After they have peaked but still stunnning, although tired and fragile and about to flop.
I did take a photo of the tulips on the compost heap but it is too sad to show. And so we go full circle.
I'm so grateful you took a photo with Phoebe holding the tulips; without it, I just assume the size. Wow! Those suckers are HUGE! (And beautiful!) Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: j | April 10, 2011 at 13:50
Just stunning as usual! I've been wondering what you do with the spent bulbs at the end of the season- compost as well? I'm planning a move to downtown where the deer won't eat every beautiful plant in the yard. I'm looking forward to masses of tulips some day!
Posted by: Kristin | April 10, 2011 at 19:05
Oh, my - I thought Constance Spry was a rose. But I know Gertrude Jekyll was a person!
Beautiful tulips, as usual.
Posted by: Lisa G. | April 10, 2011 at 19:30
a real 'day in the life' of your tulips...gorgeous
Posted by: janice | April 10, 2011 at 19:49
I think tulips are at their most beautiful just before they go over, when you can't touch them or they start casting petals. I love that picture of the vases in the sunlight. Our north-facing garden is behind yours, though - my tulips are just beginning to flower - Rachael.
Posted by: Tales from the Village | April 10, 2011 at 19:52
the tulips are just amazing
Posted by: Janice Perkin | April 10, 2011 at 22:24
Beautiful flowers! Here, in Portland, Oregon, our tulips are just starting to open up. I love how tulips "grow" once they are picked and in a vase. Just a little entertainment from Mother Nature!
Posted by: Patty | April 10, 2011 at 23:42
I adore your spring tulip pictures! The serendipity of the tulips and narcissis are natural and beautiful, the bouquets just stunning. Happy spring!
Posted by: mady | April 11, 2011 at 01:32
Your tulips are amazing! How wonderful to not only have them to gaze at but also to know that you grew them! I also love the vege garden painting. Where did you get it? Do you know who painted it? Thanks Jane.
Posted by: fabfiona | April 11, 2011 at 04:23
The combination of the narcissi and the Jan Reus is just fabulous! That sort of flukey magic is what I love most about gardening.
Posted by: Charlotte | April 11, 2011 at 11:07
I absolutely love open tulips. They look so pretty and floaty. x
Posted by: PinkCatJo | April 11, 2011 at 12:16
Breathtaking is the cliche I would use. However, it is apt as I truly held my breath looking at your gorgeous photos. Thanks so much for sharing your eye to color and form with us.
Posted by: niki | April 11, 2011 at 22:21