I have greatly enjoyed the tulip season over on Jane Brocket's wonderful blog, and while my tulips really can't compare, we have a few still providing pleasure in the back garden.
I think that these were Black Parrot Tulips, also purchased at Avon Bulbs some years ago. Despite the tulip's notoriety for not flowering well after the first year, these have been great for around 4 years now. They look so unlikely when the buds start to open - the colour takes a few weeks to really develop. But they are worth the wait!
It is my Gran's 89th birthday today, and while she won't read my blog, I would still like to wish her a very happy birthday! She was a very talented knitter, needleworker, cook, gardener and teacher in her time, and a real inspiration. Hope you have a lovely day Gran!