It's a Beautiful Blue

Tecophilea cyanocrocus, the Chilean Blue Crocus, not a true crocus.  Of a similar size in flower, it has leaves rather like the small species colchicum but a corm like a crocus.    Almost extinct in the wild due to habitat destruction, it's hardy in a cold greenhouse and easy to grow if excessive drying in summer is avoided.   It sets seed in cultivation so is easy to increase if you have the patience.    Plants from cultivation have been re-introduced in the wild.   This one has been in flower for a few weeks already, the December start meaning it flowered twice in 2020 when it also flowered more typically in early spring.

A lovely winter's day for the drive to Aberystwyth, taking Tilda home.   Jamie collected his new glasses there too, we've dovetailed the appointments with Tilda trips to keep journey's to a minimum during lockdown.   Some useful shopping for things we can't get locally and home just before dark for tea :-)