Crocus: Yalta and Prince Claus

Happy spring! There's one new crocus in bloom to welcome the changing of the season. Crocus "Yalta" was easy to identify with its distinct pattern of alternating purple and white petals.

Sadly, out of the twenty I planted, only two are in bloom. I've said it before and I'll say it again: squirrels! I hope these flowers make a comeback next spring. They are an eye-catcher.

After staring at this bunch long enough I have convinced myself that these flowers are Crocus "Prince Claus."

"Prince Claus" has what I would call "smudgy" purple highlights on the outside of the petals (as opposed to the distinct stripes and feathers of Crocus "Fuscotinctus".

There are a few crocus varieties that have yet to appear including some of the Dutch Giants but I would say the majority have bloomed and are already fading. Hard to believe that's the case on the first day of spring.

More Crocus and a Hellebore

This is the prettiest bunch of crocus blooming in the yard right now. They were planted long before I kept track of plant names so I'm not sure what they are.

Now that I keep track of names I find it is not enough to stay on top of what's blooming. Last fall I planted an assortment of white crocus featuring purple highlights on the petals. Today, I can't tell any of them apart! They all looks so similar. My best guess: this one is Prince Claus.

This one looks like Spring Beauty.

Crocus Minimus?

I have no idea. A valuable lesson learned: it's worth mapping what's planted where. It's also worth choosing a variety of distinct colours to make identification easier. No more white and purple combos for this garden.

While the crocus are proving a bit confusing, there's no mistaking this garden stunner. Hellebore "Ivory Prince" is nodding slightly and very low to the ground, growing taller by the day. Whether I've got the right names or the wrong names, these winter blooms are a more than welcome sight. The garden season is off to a great start.

The Crocus Parade Continues

I was worried for my crocus last night. Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch and warned of the potential for "toonie-sized" hail. Toonie-sized hail! That could dent a car. Were my crocus doomed? Fortunately, the storm was limited to a heavy downpour. The crocus are none-the-worse for wear.

Blue Pearl is back for another year. There's an almost imperceptible dusting of lavender-blue on the outside of the petals. The insides are pearly white. This was easily my favourite selection from last year but this year it is underperforming.

I loved Blue Pearl so much last spring that I added another 40 corms to the garden last fall. I don't see them yet. A little disappointing for sure. I blame the squirrels.

Squirrels did quite a bit of damage to Crocus Tricolour last year but these cheerful blooms seem to be making a comeback.

These blooms feature an orange-yellow base, a band of white and purple-tipped petals.

Ruby Giant is making a really great impression this year. Only one flower survived the squirrel onslaught last year. To have a group of four in bloom is a treat.

The purple of Ruby Giant is much deeper than that of Tricolour. It is definitely a drama queen among the crocus.

There are many crocus still to come including: Jeanne d'Arc, Silver Coral, Pickwick, Prince Claus, Advance, Yalta, Minimus and Lady Killer. If you are able to deal with the disappointment of losing some corms to the squirrels, crocus are the perfect flower to kick start the gardening season.

Another Early Crocus

Crocus Fuscotinctus is back for another year. I love the feathered, purple stripes on the petals but prefer the creamy, mellow yellow of Crocus Romance. Like Romance, Fuscotinctus is early compared to last year. Is it too soon to sense a theme for the garden season ahead?

First Crocus

Wow! The garden is really ahead of schedule. Crocus Romance is in full bloom one full month ahead of last year. Romance first bloomed two days ago.

I love these buttery yellow blooms. Remarkably, the squirrels have not touched them. I can't say that about all my crocus. Critter damage is apparent in some selections that are still emerging. Maybe the squirrels don't like yellow. I, on the other hand, am loving it! Bring on spring.

First Snowdrop

The temperature reached 9.3 degrees celcius today. Reason enough to get outside and do some garden clean-up. I found the first snowdrop of the year when I cleared away the dried stems of the calamint, which was also greening up at the crown. There's snow in the forecast later this week. Glad I was able to enjoy this February day in the garden.

Signs of Spring

You know it has been an unusual winter when daffodils are poking through the soil in February!

These two snapshots were taken in a full-sun Hamilton-area garden over the weekend.

In my own garden, the snow crocus are starting to push skyward. It won't be long now before the bulbs starts producing some fabulous colour. Can't wait!