Mike Palmer uncovers tales of love and passion behind his favourite romantic plants

The colourful displays of tulips are the main players in the formal walled garden at Westbrooke House

I was born in the Bollenstreek, the stretch of land between The Hague and Haarlem in the Netherlands, famous all over the world for its bulb fields. My father was a bulb farmer who grew tulips, daffod

Start your summer show by ordering your tubers now to get the very best varieties

Bulbs planted in autumn come to life now and deliver vibrant bursts of colour – a joy to see after the dark winter months. Daffodils (more on those overleaf) and tulips are enduring symbols of spring

THIS WEEK AT GLEBE COTTAGE