The Old Forge (Monday 30th March 2020)

"Black is a particularly elusive colour in the flower world and can command astonishingly high prices. In 1997 Thompson & Morgan purchased three hyacinth bulbs from Holland for £150,000. After cultivation, bulbs went on sale to the public under the name 'Midnight Mystic' in 2005 for £7.99 each." So said the Daily Telegraph a few years ago.

Thompson & Morgan themselves advertised it as, "Rare and highly sought after, this is the first and original black hyacinth! Available again due to popular demand - you won't find this variety for sale anywhere else! Launched to a frenzy of interest at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2005, Hyacinth 'Midnight Mystic'® was soon completely sold out. A real breakthrough in breeding, Thompson & Morgan spent 16 years developing just three mother bulbs and the result is this stunning, unusual hardy black hyacinth with a heavenly scent. Try it in contemporary silver patio pots, or grow it in beds and borders. Either way, make sure it's on show for all to enjoy!".

The picture they used showed them as almost black, but they warn that, "For the darkest black blooms, Hyacinth 'Midnight Mystic'® must be grown outdoors, as flowers will appear purple in colour when 'forced' for indoor cultivation."

These were grown outdoors from the start but are considerably more purple than black, especially in sunlight. They are magnificent, though, so I don't mind.

L.
30.3.2020 (1806 hr)

Sharp when viewed Large

Blip #3177 (#2927 + 250 archived blips taken 27.8.1960-18.3.2010)
Consecutive Blip #007
Blips/Extras In 2020 #059/265 + #022/100 Extras
Day #3657 (834 gaps from 26.3.2010)
LOTD #2306 (#2147 + 159 in archived blips)

Old Forge series
Flora series
Front Yard series
Gardens series
Before And After series
Woodland Garden (March 2020) (Work in progress)

Taken with Panasonic/Leica DMC-LX100 M4/3 compact

Lozarhythm Of The Day:
Charles Tyler Ensemble - Black Mysticism (recorded 4 February 1966, New York NY)
Charles Tyler (alto sax), Joel Freedman (cello), Charles Moffett (orchestra vibes), Henry Grimes ( bass), Ronald Jackson (drums)
Charles Tyler recorded this album, recorded for ESP-Disk, after leaving Albert Ayler's group, where he had played third horn.
   
   


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