These crocuses were growing along the east-facing foundation in the back of the house back in the day. They had a concrete air conditioner pad covering some. The air conditioner was eventually moved. They were growing in a crowded clump from years of neglect. They were eventually divided. Then, I built a deck above them eight years ago, and they never saw direct sunlight again.
Two years ago after not blooming (gee, I wonder why), they were dug up, and the largest corms were thrown into a sunnier spot on my hillside garden. They were forgotten with no more thought.
With a little warm weather to end February this year, they sprang to life. They surprised me -- was that lavender color along the walk a piece of trash that blew in?
I now remember moving them and hoping they would come back. I like the species more than the hybrids because of their earlier arrival, their willingness to multiply, and their apparent tenacity. I am looking forward to a growing population and will certainly give them more care. They've earned it.
Amazing they held on under such stresses.
ReplyDeleteHooray for such survivors! They're beauties, too. :o)
ReplyDeleteAlmost everywhere I have ever lived crocuses have bloomed every spring and fall with absolutely no help from me, usually in beds that are not attended to much anymore. I can mow those areas down and that doesn't faze them a bit, may even help them. That color in the spring and white in the fall. Haven't noticed any here since moving to Texas last year, maybe they aren't into heat.
ReplyDeleteLes, Casa,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great confidence builder. Maybe I can save others from doom, too.
Billy,
How true. I have seen crocus popping up in a middle of someone's lawn, and thinking that they must have been mowed over after blooming last year, and yet they came back this year.
-Ray
They are so beautiful. I wonder how creative the nature is. They have strong lust for life :)
ReplyDeleteSophie,
ReplyDeleteThanks. When they pop up unexpectedly, it makes them more appreciated.
Ray