Just a little one this time.
Years ago, when we first visited East Lambrook Manor in Somerset at this time of year, I was overwhelmed by the sight of hundreds of Crocus tommasinianus spreading in the grass under a variegated Sycamore tree.I thought at the time, I would like to do that one day, without the sycamore tree, and at last that day has come.
I bought myself a couple of packets of C.tommasinianus corms and threw the corms onto the back lawn which gets a lot of sun at this time of year.
They were planted more or less where they fell.
Even though they look a bit sparse to start with, hopefully they will seed about and start spreading by themselves.
Each day recently I have been out, almost on my knees, trying to find the crocus leaves amongst the grass and moss so that I could mark where they are.
The reason was that I wanted to mark where they are was so that Neil wouldn’t run over them with the lawn mower! I have planted them in a largish circle and have just marked round the edge with small sticks.
So far they have been safe, it was raining last time he came so the grass didn’t get cut.
Next week though he must cut the grass, by then they should all be flowering, I think most of them are up now.
Such beautiful little flowers, I can’t get enough of them.
As I said, they look a bit sparse at the moment, but if they increase the same as the ones in the woodland, I should soon have plenty more. I also found a clump down by the greenhouse which I can bring up as soon as the flowers fade. They can be planted along side the others and they will almost double the numbers. Just a little project, but one that I think will put a smile on my face and make me very happy for years to come.
I enjoyed seeing your little project this morning Pauline, certainly brought a smile to my face. I am sure they will rapidly increase in numbers and I look forward already to see how it looks next year.
I’m glad to know Denise that someone else smiles at flowers! I’m sure they will increase nicely, but I will have to wait a couple of years until the seedlings reach flowering size. Maybe a few more each year for 2 or 3 yrs.
What a great idea – they are such a cheerful sight, Pauline aren’t they. In my garden in Powys they are the first blooms, alongside the little primroses, and they really lift your heart !
Thanks Rosemarie, so glad you like them too! I’m sure they look lovely in your garden along with the primroses that are just starting here. It’s wonderful that such a small flower can cause so much happiness!
Such a happy sight in the lawn at this time of year. Your project is bound to bring you joy for years to come!
A bit sparce at the moment Peter, but should improve year on year hopefully.
They soon make carpets and what a joy they are when the sun shines.
I agree Chloris, the sunshine makes such a difference. Bees are buzzing at the moment with our unseasonal warm weather and are enjoying the crocus, I can spend ages just watching them.
It is these little projects that keep us going!
Too true Christina, but I must learn to just have one on the go at a time! I’ve been busy today planting in the woodland in my new cleared area, I’m about half way through the plants that I bought and will start splitting snowdrops next to hopefully start some drifts next year.
How lovely they look in your lawn, mine have spread into the lawn in the front garden, it’s such a joy to see them. I hope yours clump up next year, along with mine.xxx
I’m sure they will clump up Dina, I just wish I had planted them years ago!
I have been trying to split mine, Pauline, but it’s not proved easy to dig them up complete – I shall be adding more in the autumn too! Such a joy to see them all popping up 😊
Thanks for the warning Cathy, I’ll use the large fork instead of the little one I was intending to use. I love it when they pop up in unexpected places.
Totally charming! They definitely made me smile. Do you have to refrain from mowing until the foliage wilts, similar to daffodils? I wonder if I could do something similar to a mossy area (no grass) that is shaded much of the year but gets sunshine in late winter/early spring.
Yes Deb,I have planted them in a rough circle shape and that will be left uncut until the leaves die down, the rest of the lawn can be cut round them. Most of my back lawn is all moss, not much grass at all, at least it stays green in the summer!
Oh they should soon spread Pauline for both you and the bees to enjoy in the not too distant future. I had been admiring some lovely clumps on my sad mossy lawn the other day and then managed to tread on one of them 🙁
I’m sure they will spread nicely for me Anna, if the ones in the woodland are anything to go by! So sorry to hear that one of your precious Tommies ended up under your foot, sad for this year but it will be back next year!
A cheerful sight Pauline. You’re such an inspiration. Hope things are going well.
They really do make me smile Susie, I don’t quite know why! I’m coping ok, life is still hard at times, but thank you for remembering. I need something like the little Tommies to make me smile.