Called the 'Semper Augustus' this tulip was the most expensive bulb ever sold during 'tulipmania' in 17th century Amsterdam. Its unusual colouring, the striations, and wavey edge to the petals made it a greatly sort after bulb. However, it is now known that its appearance was the result of a virus attack which ultimate eventually killed it.
In the 1620s one bulb cost 1,000 guilders but by the time that the 'tulipmania' bubble burst in 1637 its value had increased to the equivalent of five Amsterdam properties.
Tulip fever spread across Europe, especially here, where many grand homes and wealthy landowners filled their gardens with tulips. They also purchased the highly prized Delft blue and white pergoda tulip display vases.
Dyrham Park in the southern area of the Cotswolds has a magnificent collection of these unique tulip vases which are normally, at this time of year, filled with seasonal tulips and put on display. However, due to the Pandemic the property is still closed. but very soon it will reopen again. From next Monday our weeks of tough restrictions will be eased and we shall have a new set of freedoms.
We always enjoy a visit to the gardens at Dyrham so packed ourselves a picnic, having already booked a garden visit online, and enjoyed a stroll around their grounds.
Wisteria sinensis and Chaenomeles japonica climbing up the walls.
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein
If you are living in this country, enjoy your new found freedoms, but do take care - I'm taking a break.
