Our gardens are full of them at this time of year, but the Tulip actually originates in Central Asia. These species Tulips are varied in height, colour, foliage and the ease with which we can grow them at home and so this week on Talking Dirty, Cambridge University Botanic Garden - who hold the National Collection of Species Tulips - are along to share some of their favourites and recommendations for which to grow, and how. Plus stories of their latest adventures in Kyrgyzstan where they've been finding and protecting new varieties.

So join Alan Gray, Thordis and Simon Wallis and Kathryn Bray of the Botanics for a tantalising tour of their collection!

PLANT LIST

Tulipa sprengeri

Tulipa tschimghanica

Tulipa toktogulica

Tulipa greigii

Tulipa cretica

Tulipa 'Negrita'

Tulip bakerii 'Lilac Wonder'

Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii

Tulipa acuminata syn. Tulipa cornuta

Tulipa montana

Tulipa heweri

Tulipa biflora

Tulipa turkestanica

Tulipa regelii

Tulipa tarda

Tulipa saxatilis

Tulipa linifolia

Tulipa undulatifolia syn Tulipa eichleri

Tulipa clusiana

Tulipa clusiana 'Peppermint Stick'

Tulip clusiana var. chrysantha

Tulipa aucheriana

Tulipa sylvestris

Tulipa orphanidea

Tulipa kaufmanniana

Tulipa fosteriana

Tulipa praestans 'Shogun'

Tulipa 'Apeldoorn'

Tulipa 'Ballerina'

Tulipa 'Heart's Delight'

Trollius lilacinus

Iris acutiloba

Tulipa clusiana 'Lady Jane'