Tulip-o-rama 2016

 I am a fan of tulips (as you may know) and was eagerly awaiting this year's collection.  Due to the cold Spring we have had, they were behind by a week or two, but since the sun came out at the weekend, they are all in full flower. I grow them in pots and tubs and then transfer them to the borders.  Some do come back. Above is a combination of Negrita (the large pink), Ronaldo (the purple) and China Pink (the pale pink).

 I do like this combination - Ronaldo with Princess Irene.

 Here's a close up of Ronaldo - rich and luscious.

 My favourite Ballerina, in the border, back lit by the sun and looking luminous.

 This is Upstar, which I received in a Seasons blog swap last Autumn - thank you to Maria from Dotty's Daughter.  I like the pink and white colouring.

 They are very pretty and are brightening up the front door.

 That's a real lipstick pink.

 Princess Irene again, with delicate streaks of reds and pinks.

 This year's Ballerina, just starting to unfurl in the sun.

 Negrita, Ronaldo and China Pink in the sun.

 A random lone fringed pink tulip which was in the garden and not planted by me.  It didn't flower for a few years but appears to be back now.

 Ballerina, one Red Shine (behind to the left) and the fringed pink. Ballerina's lovely scent wafted around well in the sun.

A close up of Princess Irene.  It is a lighter orange than Ballerina and is shorter.  I am already thinking about tulips for next year...