Before Christmas I was tempted by Sarah Ravens www.sarahraven.com new hyacinth selection. I was intrigued by the unusual amethyst colours of purple and maroon-now blooming in the middle of our kitchen table they are very lovely-if a little sinister. I don't think they smell as strongly as the traditional pale blue or white but they cannot be beaten for dramatic effect. I have put them with a vase of the first blood red anemones of the season which were my fathers favourite flower. I hope to have time to paint them before they go over.