I love tulips...

...although they're not my ultimate favourite -that would be roses, pink and scented, something like these - in fact, exactly these!

The hand-tied bouquets can be ordered from David Austin Roses.  (Husband take note, although the sad truth is that if you are or have ever been a florist, no one sends you flowers anymore).  Anyway, they are so gorgeously old-fashioned and I imagine they smell heavenly... 

Last year I ordered and planted one of their bare root roses "Gertrude Jekyll" (pictured).  It was a leap of faith to be honest because if you've ever seen them in their bare root state you really wonder if anything will come of them. But come they did, beautiful, sweet, tea scented blooms - even in our northern Scottish climate!  I think maybe I should be pruning them about now?  Yet another reason to feel guilty about blogging!