For some gardeners, tulips are having a bad year.
In my own garden, the normally majestic-looking bulbs are somewhat lacking, the flowers appearing closer to the base of the leaves than at the top of them, and looking a bit deformed.
It's a problem that has faced numerous gardeners this spring and tulip expert Philippa Burrough, owner of Ulting Wick (ultingwickgarden.co.uk), a vibrant eight-acre garden planted with thousands of tulips and spring planting, as well as dramatic late summer beds and mini annual wildflower meadows, is no exception.
Photo of Tulipa Light and Dreamy.Pic: Alamy/PA.
So, what's it down to?