It's all over for another year. The tulip patch is bare now that I have picked the last bunch of the season (above) this morning. I shall do as I always do with a lovely vase of tulips, and believe for a very brief moment that the flowers will surely last forever. Then I shall accept this isn't to be and begin work on clearing the patch ready for sunflowers, nasturtiums, runner beans, French beans and rainbow chard, love-in-a-mist and marigolds, and any other flower and vegetable that cares to join us in my chaotic summer planting.
I've really enjoyed living the tulip season through your photos - thanks!
Posted by: Clare | May 17, 2010 at 09:42
Wonderful!
But it will be fun to see what comes next in the summer...!
best wishes, Helen
Posted by: Helen in Switzerland | May 17, 2010 at 10:22
Aren't we lucky to have such glory in the seasons - I have just potted on my Love Lies Bleeding seedlings this morning!
Posted by: Georgina | May 17, 2010 at 10:29
I just came across this review of a Tulip Show, and thought of you! http://webcowgirl.wordpress.com/2010/05/10/review-wakefield-and-north-of-england-tulip-show-primrose-hall-horbury/
Wishing you all the best for your flowers in future.
Posted by: Rosie | May 17, 2010 at 11:25
There's nothing like flowers to lift the spirit.
Posted by: Karina | May 17, 2010 at 14:36
Absolutely lovely!
Posted by: knittingoutloud | May 17, 2010 at 14:52
I couldn't help but notice the link above for the Tulip Show as I lived in Horbury and then 'the next town along' for 30 years and never knew this society existed! What blinkered lived we lead.Oh well maybe a trip to my parents this time next year is in order.
Posted by: Gill | May 17, 2010 at 14:56
It is bittersweet to see them go, but there is the anticipation of the sunflowers and the vegetable patch. Thank you for some inspiration for my upcoming cooking class for kids. Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer will be a part of the lesson plan.
Wendy
Posted by: The Red Teapot Diary | May 17, 2010 at 16:07
I had no idea you had such tiny feet!
I planted my first tulip bulbs last fall (late at night under the cover of darkness, as we live in a condominium and are not technically allowed to plant anything) and was thrilled to see bright orange tulips this spring. Having a whole tulip patch seems wonderful.
Posted by: Jennifer | May 17, 2010 at 17:42
Jane,
My 20-something daughter turned me on to your blog a few weeks ago and I have just LOVED sharing in the evolving display of tulips. I have a whole new appreciation for the two lonely ones (one red, one yellow) who poked up in my front garden (as they do every year). I never noticed before how long they last or how obvious it is that deer do not eat them and, therefore, I should plant MORE!!
Posted by: Judi P | May 17, 2010 at 18:02
Oh I love the flowers of springtime! And I am intrigued about Rainbow Chard - I have never heard of that before. I am going to have a quick look to find it and how to use it. Is it different than Swiss Chard?
Posted by: Margo | May 17, 2010 at 19:46
What amazing colours!!!
Posted by: Debbietown | May 17, 2010 at 20:02
Oh, but what a fabulous last hurrah it is! If you have to go, go out with a bang, I always say.
Posted by: April | May 18, 2010 at 00:11
I saw you on Market Kitchen last week (I live in NZ) which was a real thrill for me as I have been reading, with admiration, your blog for a while now. I have just ordered your Quilting book with a birthday book token I was given. Just want to say, don't ever stop blogging - beautiful photos, lots of excellent links, information and dam good reading. Thankyou Jane - Keriann
Posted by: Sweet Mary | May 18, 2010 at 03:00
Well, I know it's not the same, but in a way it is the same. What? What, is this person trying to say?
Your tulip display somehow really reminds me of our annual New York City July 4 fireworks display.
Yes, each year the show is a bit similar. Yet every year, we gather at the riverside to see what will color our sky. There are many shapes, many color combinations, much creativity behind the scenes, much oooohing and aaaaahing from the observers.
We all have a grand time letting our eyes feast.
We are happy all together in crowds, and go home with visions dancing in our heads.
Wait a minute, did I confuse July 4 with Christmas Eve?
xo
Posted by: frances | May 18, 2010 at 03:25
How gorgeous! Been a while since I popped in! Hope you are doing well...will have a little catch up now xxx
Posted by: The Curious Cat | May 18, 2010 at 08:03
Your tulips have been beautiful!!!
Bring on those bright headed sunflowers reaching for the blue sky!!!
Posted by: Jacky | May 18, 2010 at 10:06
The season has seemed quick, but spectacular (especially the day that Phoebe picked them). I shall enjoy scrolling through the archives every now and then when I need a tulip fix.
Posted by: di | May 18, 2010 at 12:37
Annelein Beaukenkamp's tulip watercolors reminded me of your beautiful bouquets. I thought you might enjoy it, too:
http://abwatercolors.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Mady | May 18, 2010 at 19:55
My crimson and white-edged tulips that have graced our dining room table since I evacuated them from the garden before our May 10 snowfall (how crazy is that?)began dropping their petals into my husband's plate as we finished dinner tonight. Much as I tried to convince him the flower was offering itself to him as salad, he declined to taste it, but they did look good enough to eat!!
Posted by: Christine Drews | May 19, 2010 at 04:42
Thank you for your brilliant tulips this spring. A much needed blast of pure colour.
Posted by: Harriet | May 19, 2010 at 22:21
Kaffe Fassett has been at the heart of the modern movement towards constant cross-fertilisation between the various crafts, leading to exciting innovation. I am very grateful to him - and you - for inspiration. I'd love now to learn to create mosaic pieces to decorate the garden.
Posted by: Happy Embroiderer | May 20, 2010 at 17:37