Spring!

Well, it certainly feels like it in the garden today. Three of the spring crocuses have been hurried into flower by the mild weather.

Most impressive is Crocus imperati with it's pale gold outer petals contrasting superbly with the bright lilac inner surfaces.

Crocus imperati hails from Italy although this one is raised from home produced seed. There is a vigorous clone in cultivation under the name 'de Jager' which is a good garden plant, the flowers lasting well in settled cold weather so it can provide some welcome colour in the depths of winter.