March sunworshippers

The first day of meteorological spring brought long sunny spells and the crocuses stretched open appreciatively...

Crocus tommasinianus – the original and best

I planted species Crocus tommasinianus in the main meadow several years ago and for me this is still the best crocus of all; elegant, beautifully proportioned, subtle in its colouring and deceptively tough. Each spring I make a mental note to plant more, but somehow manage to overlook the vital ordering part... The bulb catalogues arrive during the dog days of summer and there always seems to be plenty of time, until you look up and it's Christmas!

Elsewhere, several clumps of the more showy cultivar C. tommasinianus 'Ruby Giant' (left and below) are gradually expanding, having been introduced by one of our predecessors, many moons ago. This is a 'feel good' flower, through and through. As I lay down in the grass for a closer view this afternoon, I was smiling outside and in.

Crocuses and photographer sunbathing...

I like to grow other crocuses in pots, to make a cheerful display near the kitchen door – and to keep the corms away from mice, voles and squirrels... This year, the relentless wet and windy weather in February gave them a real battering, but true to form the surviving flowers opened wide to the sun today, albeit some of them from a prostrate position!

Crocus sieberi subsp. sublimis 'Tricolor'  – beaten flat by rain

Crocus 'Ard Schenk' – new to me this year.