Tulipa clusiana 'Tubergen's Gem'

 The pencil-like stems and tight buds of the diminutive botanical Tulipa clusiana 'Tubergen's Gem', photographed here on 1st April, are beautiful even before they open out. When they do the star shaped yellow inner and outer red make for an arresting display. It's a strong grower, braving wind and rain. These dwarf, species tulips naturalise well. Certainly in our sink garden anyway. (Note to self: plant them in the garden.) It is so good it has the Award of Garden Merit from the RHS. Introduced in 1969 by van Turgen. His gem and the joint winner of my prestigious Tulip of the Year Award. AGM and TYA. 

Best Tulip of the Year: 'Blue Diamond'

 Tough challenge to choose the favourite tulip. Actually 'Blue Diamond' is the joint winner with one of the species varieties. Photographed on 13th April, it flowered forever, had huge blooms that stood up well to the weather, a pleasant if faint fragrance, that rich blue-purple colour and, most importantly for me, a silk sheen to the petals. And no new bolter from the breeder: the tulip is tried and tested since its introduction in 1962.