Lilac Tommies For My Garden

Crocus tommasinianus i.e.
One of the earliest blooming crocus and squirrel proof!

The fall bulb catalogs have arrived. Just in time, because I've been thinking about how beautiful this nearby hillside looks each spring and wondering what it would take to create a gorgeous river of Tommies through the garden.

I thought I might start with a 50 bulbs and then I remembered what 25 looked like~Beautiful, just not so impressive in a larger space. In for a penny, in for pound~what the heck, I ordered 1000! It seems like a huge number to plant until I remembered how very small a Tommie corm is! Twenty five corms fit in a small cup~Okay, that's 40 cups! But, I can do it!



Do you think I'm inspired or nuts like a friend of mine wondered! You can tell me the truth~I'm a big girl! (edit: and, yes, it's time to order, last year the good bulbs were sold out when I waited too long)

xxgail

For MA who asked the right question and for Frances who laughs with me!

Spring Walks The Red Carpet

It's a sweet crocus that decided to show its pretty face to the world today~

Just in time for a walk down the red carpet.

The crocus at Clay and Limestone are all stars in my eyes.

Bright players in the technicolor production that is Springtime In A Garden. Showy costumed beauties they have their sweet moment of walk on fame before they fade~

A fortunate few capture the attention of a casting director for a major role.

Diminutive Crocus sieberi ssp sublimis 'Tricolor' is a rising star.

There is nothing nuanced about her performance.
She brings a depth and coloring that's hard to describe.

An early favorite among the reviewers...we're sure she will be asked back again and again.

Her performance merits the best supportive win in C&L's Spring Show!

*******

'Tricolor' really is the sweetest little snow crocus~ The blossom is a pastel purple at the edges, with a bright orange center and with a broad band of white that beautifully separates the lilac and orange. The color show extends to the outside with a deeper purple petal and yellow-orange at its base!

One of the earliest blooming crocus, it's incredibly cold hardy (to zone 3 to 8), doesn't mind moisture in the summer and asks only to be planted in a sunny spot under a deciduous shrub! It will naturalize and spread if situated in the right spot!

I sure hope it's happy at C&L~a naturalized patch will be attention getting as guests stop by the front porch. What a colorful welcome on a sunny day.

Gail

You & I the secret
Of the crocus know --
Let us chant it softly --
"There is no more snow!"
Emily Dickinson