The vaguely spring-like weather has made buying flowers less of a forlorn yet noble task (or maybe buying cut flowers is always a bit like this) and into one that seems appropriate for the days we’re in.
But I’m posting to alert you to the fact that tulips are over. Sorry. No longer fresh and unpretentious, they’ve become the roses of the 2010s. Everywhere, in so many jaunty colours, with their three petals or whatever, just being TULIPS. And I am beyond sick of the way they act when they dry up and die.
They have been replaced in my heart by the unlikely chrysanthemum. Because they’re so unloved and often so hideous it must be hard to see why. But nice ones last for ages and their pure, fleshy perfectness and roundness is really enjoyable. I think we’re ready for their 70s-style colouring (mustard yellow, fuschia) this year.
I’m also enamoured of carnations for their amazing, frilly girlishness and the satisfying way they look, all bundled up like a ballet skirt.
Just to clarify, neither chrysanths nor carnations are acceptable in red. The best picture at the moment is pastels and white.
S
