Paperwhite Remembrance

Just a year ago I eagerly followed Elspeth Thompson's instructions for forcing paperwhite narcissi indoors in time for Christmas. I was inspired by her description of the delicate flowers filling the house with scent in the darkening days of winter. Sadly Elspeth died earlier this year and as I prepare the paperwhites again this year, my happiness at the ritual is touched by sadness. I had the pleasure of meeting her once and found her to be beautifully handsome and fiercely bright. She had an unaffected Bloomsbury style and I had a girl crush of huge proportions. She had a huge effect on me and I am sure her family and friends feel her loss dreadfully.

I returned to her gorgeous book, Homemade to remind myself of what to do. I am growing my bulbs in an old bundt cake tin, filled halfway with pebbles. Last year my mistake was to try to pack the pebbles round the bulb, but they're better off sitting straight on top, so you can get more bulbs in and grow a bigger and better display. I plan to fill another bowl in two weeks time to extend the growing period. Apparently a slosh of vodka or gin is a good way of arresting their development if they get too leggy, which sounds like a good plan as long as you keep the ratio of one for the pot, two for the indoor gardener.

I am also forcing hyacinths in some lovely Sarah Raven vases, following Elspeth's reminder to leave a good 5 mm between the water and the base of the bulb. Last year I was not so faithful and one or two rotted. The roots will seek the water out and I'm keeping everything crossed that they'll grow well this year and fill the cottage with colour and perfume. I've gone for L'Innocence, a sweet, white flower that will look clean and pure.