far to go

[Thursday's tulips]

I could pick them when they are green, anonymous and tightly furled, but instead I pick tulips when the flowers have started to fatten up, develop colour, and when I can see which variety they are. I pick in the morning when they are still closed and fresh and full of energy. 

They've already come a long way. From Holland to home, bulb to flower, autumn to spring, hidden to visible, so I aim to catch them just as they have far to go in terms of colour and drama, glory and gorgeousness.