Today is Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day, but these petite crocuses have been blooming for three days. Of course they sleep at night, but we have had golden sunny days to encourage these crocuses. Someday I am going to learn to keep a record of the actual names.
I have four little clumps for these golden crocuses, but I can see scattered crocus shoots coming up. All the crocuses will be growing under our Lilac tree, right next to our sidewalk. I wanted to make a pretty walk way. Lots of people walk their dogs and babies on our quiet street.
There are no blooms here yet, but I am hoping I get credit for the foliage that that overwintered. I never knew that grape hyacinth foliage dies back in the summer after the flowers die. But then it sends up fresh shoots in the fall that remain green through the fall – and the winter, no matter how much snowfall. Very mysterious. So many mysteries in the garden.
There are no other real blooms outside but the plants in front of our house, mostly very low evergreens, are showing shoots of daffodils and daylilies. Spring really is coming.Walking iris
Late last spring Cathy, a Heath neighbor, gave me a walking iris. It was no longer blooming, but Cathy said to put it in the ground. She explained that this spring it would bloom. And now it is blooming! I was so surprised! A few days ago we were talking on the phone and I said nothing was happening. Cathy was surprised because her plants were blooming, but she told me to be patient. A few days later I saw that there were buds. I had not recognized them. Walking iris do not have regular stems; the stems grow inside the leaves! This walking iris is rather leggy because I have no good sunny windows, but the flowers are coming.
When I planted it outside last spring it was a clump about this size. When I dug it up for the winter, I used three big pots! This is an energetic and surprising plant!
Thank you Carol, over at May Dreams Gardens. You always encourage me.
You taught me something! I have grape hyacinths in my yard and never realized the foliage grew back. I was wondering what that long foliage in my yard near where they grow was, just the other day. I never made the connection! Your crocus are slightly ahead of mine but isn’t it nice to see that cheery yellow? Happy GBBD to you.
Loveliness! It is such a hopeful time of year, isn’t it? 🙂
Beth – The sunny days are promising, but right now it is cold!
If I could only get my crocus to bloom together in one spot, I’d be happy.
-Ray
Ray – Surely you have learned there are many mysteries in the garden. We must persevere! I can tell you are really enjoying the beginning of spring.
Beth – It is warm enough that we will take a long walk this morning. Hopefulness is growing!
Alana – I was as amazed as you were as the unusual habit of the grape hyacinths. I think as soon as we have a few warm days I’ll see the little flower shoots come up.