Cosy hyacinths

This year I grew two hyacinths in glass pots, starting them off in a dark cupboard so they could put roots down into the water below (to which I added charcoal for freshness). Once they put up their shoots, I brought them out into the light.

It's been a joy to show them to 3 year old Mira, and have her watch the miracle of the unfolding with me - and to smell the heavenly fragrance.

I put a third bulb in a pot outside, and would you believe it, but that one, exposed to the elements and every cold blast, is actually doing better than these cosetted beauties.

Here it is, basking in today's sun that was full of warmth, in sheltered nooks away from the icy wind.