Hyacinth

Ever since I was a child I have associated the heady smell of hyacinths with my various childhood homes at this time of year when the flowers ( the bulbs having been bought in September and then placed just touching the water at the brim of glass vases or shaky jam jars) would slowly emerge , demonstrating all their roots as well and bearing testament to the amazing power of nature, packing so much into so little. .

My mother was always fascinated with this process and this vase - in service on our kitchen window sill today - was one of those that sat on all the kitchen window sills I remember when growing up.

It has lasted well.