I cannot decide if I like the parrot tulip that is revealing itself from its tiny pot, a house warming gift. There is something about the red flowers crumpled green edge that from afar gives some kind of diseased look, and I think ugh what has happened to that tulip. The parrot tulips “look” actually was originally caused by a mosaic virus transmitted to the plant by a louse. Through the wonders of modern science the visual effect has been retained whilst removing the disease. Tulips incidentally hail from Turkey and were introduced to Holland about 400years ago with whom they have been associated with ever since.

On closer examination I concede that of course the parrot tulip does have some beauty, but I would struggle to dismiss any plant altogether. Last year I was enchanted by many a weed, simply for its wildflower value, one of the most impressive being a Tragopogon pratensis, otherwise known as Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon or Goats beard. In flower it is like a dandelion, but larger and more defined, and even more so when it turns to seed, almost as good as an Allium christophii bloom (shown in the pictures below).

The Auricula house is starting to transform, with some flowers and buds coming along on many. My favourites at the moment are the Double Auricula’s, which are like tiny velvet roses made by elves (who previously worked for the shoemaker). This one is crimson glow, I have it on my kitchen window sill, the coolest spot in the house but still with plenty of light.