Going Dutch, the tulip fields of... Sussex!
A BURST of red and white on a day of balmy weather is a welcome reminder spring is finally here.
But while the vibrant tulips and narcissus of Arundel Castle promise warmer days to come, a wave of cool Arctic air this week means picnic season is still a way off yet.
Mild conditions have helped 60,000 tulips bloom in a stunning display of 120 varieties at the West Sussex castle’s annual Tulip Festival.
It comes as Britain’s biggest tulip growers promise a bumper crop this year, with flowers in colour two weeks earlier than usual – and even before rivals in Holland.
Yesterday saw temperatures more typical of May in parts of the country, with 18C (64F) recorded in the South East.
But they are set to plummet over the next few days, bringing overnight frosts in some areas and daytime temperatures that struggle to exceed double figures. Forecaster Peter McAward, of Meteogroup, said: ‘We’re going to start to see cooler air spreading in from the East which will make it feel much colder overnight.
‘Wednesday night into Thursday looks like it will be the coolest part of the week. During the day it will feel more seasonal, except in the East where lingering clouds will really keep temperatures down.
‘By the weekend it will feel noticeably colder everywhere with temperatures barely reaching 10C (50F).’
Arundel Castle will attract thousands of visitors to its colourful festival, which runs throughout April.
Head gardener Martin Duncan said: ‘Our red and white labyrinth of Apeldoorn tulips and Thalia narcissus will be at its most beautiful towards the middle the month.’