Some So-called "Minor" Bulbs...

Crocus in Lawn

“the bees love them…”

One of the first signs of spring here is the show of specie crocus in the back lawn.  These charming little bulbs of various color combinations were already here when we arrived 20 years ago.  The size of their “puddles” has waxed and waned in that time.

Crocus in Lawn
Bee on Crocus

One of the first signs of spring here is the show of specie crocus in the back lawn.  These charming little bulbs of various color combinations were already here when we arrived 20 years ago.  The size of their “puddles” has waxed and waned in that time.

They are crocus tommasineanus (yes; quite a mouthful) also known as “Tommies”.  They start to bloom from late January here, depending on the winter, and last for about three weeks.  As well as ourselves, the bees love them…

They are crocus tommasineanus (yes; quite a mouthful) also known as “Tommies”.  They start to bloom from late January here, depending on the winter, and last for about three weeks.  As well as ourselves, the bees love them…

pollen-laden bee on crocus

“an irrepressible tide”

Back then there was also small patch of chionodoxas (Glory of the Snow) near the vegetable beds.  We transplanted most of the clump to the front of the house and then watched in amazement as an irrepressible tide spread from the front of the garden to the back beds, all along the West Border, seeding and multiplying as it went…. much like an invading army.

However, these intensely blue little flowers with their star-like petals and white centers are my favorites and, like crocuses and snowdrops are a harbinger of spring.  The species we have here is mostly chionodoxa sardensis (Lesser Glory of the Snow).

chionodoxa sardensis (Lesser Glory of the Snow)
anemones surrounding Hellebores in front

Accompanying the chionodoxas and the crocuses in their unstoppable march are the anemones (Anemone Blanda) which were also lurking in the front….and now have the hellebores there surrounded…

We are valiantly fighting a rearguard action to to try to keep all of them out of , at least, the hellebore beds.  As much as I love them, I don’t want their additional colors there…but, I don’t hold out much hope of success.

Back then there was also small patch of chionodoxas (Glory of the Snow) near the vegetable beds.  We transplanted most of the clump to the front of the house and then watched  in amazement as an irrepressible tide spread from the front of the garden to the back beds, all along the West Border, seeding and multiplying as it went…. much like an invading army.

However, these intensely blue little flowers with their star-like petals and white centers are my favorites and, like crocuses and snowdrops are a harbinger of spring.  The species we have here is mostly chionodoxa sardensis (Lesser Glory of the Snow).

chionodoxa sardensis (Lesser Glory of the Snow)

Accompanying the chionodoxas and the crocuses in their unstoppable march are the anemones (Anemone Blanda) which were also lurking in the front….and now have the hellebores there surrounded…

anemones surrounding Hellebores in front

We are valiantly fighting a rearguard action to to try to keep all of them out of , at least, the hellebore beds.  As much as I love them, I don’t want their additional colors there…but, I don’t hold out much hope of success.

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