Both Rare and Common

Crocus tommasinianus is one of the most commonly grown crocuses, sometimes spreading to make great carpets of colour.  The common form is shown in an extra pic.  There are a number of special forms: 'Pictus' with dark tips to the petals, 'Roseus' is a pinky purple, 'Eric Smith' is a purple flecked white and 'Bobbo' has white tips to the petals.  The plant pictured above, I call 'Claret and Cream' as it has flowers almost the colour of red wine but with cream colouring on the outside of the outer petals.  It's a rarity, not breeding true from seed.  

A grand day on all fronts. Beautiful sunshine has been the backdrop to  a morning of basketball for Jamie and an afternoon in the garden for me.  Jamie had a great time this morning and has not had the severe pain reaction that spoiled last weekend.  I attacked some ivy, pruned an apple tree and fed and watered the crocuses.  We managed to fit in a dash trip to the city as it got dark to pick up a violin string and some essential groceries.

Chocolate cake and ice cream for supper will round the day off nicely now Jacinta is back from a recorder day in Ipswich :-)