Tulips with surprises

 As we are having some sunny weather today (following several days of showers, hail and wind) I thought I would celebrate with tulip photos.  Above are 'Triumph' which I photographed a week or so ago - they do add lovely bright colours to the garden.

These were supposed to be 'Peach Blossom' which was a frilly pink double tulip.  Hmm, they don't look very pink to me, more like red and cream.  Still, even though the variety is a surprise, they are still really lovely.

 A close up of one of the mystery strawberry and cream tulips.

 Here are 'Triumph' again, without the white flower, but with the apricot and burgundy flowers taking centre spot.

The burgundy flower with the sun highlighting the tips of the petals.
I also have some 'Carnaval de Nice' tulips on the way, but they are still small and green at the moment.  I shall just have to cope with delayed gratification for them, but they are something to look forward to. I think I need to have more pots/tubs of tulips next year...

Tulip planting

I have finally got round to planting my tulip bulbs which have been waiting patiently for about one and a half months, sitting quietly in the cupboard.  I hope they will provide as much enjoyment as this year's tulips did.  I have bought 'Carnaval de Nice' again becuase I loved the striped petals,  ' Peach Blossom', a fluffy, frilly pink and a mixture called 'Triumph'.  I have planted them in containers, one type to each pot and have planted some cheerful violas in different colours on the top to give me something to look at while the tulips are growing.
I had a lovely time planting the tulips and thought what a positive activity gardening is, as there is always next year to look forward to.  No matter if your gardening year was awful, there is always the hope that next year will be so much better!