Crocus and companion plants in the garden February 2010

[TheOnionMan]

Today was 7C with sunny spells. A few more Crocus flowers have appeared overnight. We are expecting snow tomorrow 
Crocus biflorus aff isauricus (ex Cambridge bulbs) growing with Consolida and annual Silene
Crocus biflorus 'Parkinsonii' growing with Micromeria
Crocus korolkowii (Cambridge Bulbs) growing with Penstemon palmeri
Crocus sieberi 'Violet Queen' growing with a native Sedum

Simon, doing any pollen dabbing?  Somehow I would feel the urge to attempt crossing Crocus biflorus 'Parkinsonii' with C. korolkowii, to see if I could get plants with an outrageous dusting of dots and striking stripes.

[Sinchets]

Thanks Luc and Robin.
The honeybees have already been out, Mark. Our neighbour keeps hives and it only needs a sunny day to get them going. Apart from that- yes I'm sharing pollen between the different plants where appropriate. 

[Armin]

Simon,
excellent croci. I have a request. Can you kindly take a picture of "Violet Queen" from top view when it is fully open.
I want to compare the form of the pedals with "Firefly".
The C. korolkowii is also very attractive form.

[Sinchets]

Of course, Armin. The sun should be back later in the week.

[Sinchets]

Some afternoon sunshine melted the last of our snow and brought out the Crocus.
For Armin- the plant we are growing as C.sieberi Violet Queen
C.tommasinianus roseus
C. White Beauty (with interloper)
C.alatavicus

[Armin]

Simon,
thanks for the top view of cv. "Violet Queen". 
The overall color is a bit darker compared to "Firefly", has nicely rounded pedals and has no inconspicuous greyish veins. I believe it is the true cultivar!

The other croci are lovely, too. Like them all.

[TheOnionMan]

Some afternoon sunshine melted the last of our snow and brought out the Crocus.
For Armin- the plant we are growing as C.sieberi Violet Queen
C.tommasinianus roseus
C. White Beauty (with interloper)
C.alatavicus

Simon, the first view of the pink Tommi is wonderful, I really enjoy seeing the quality of light on blooms when photographed in natural sunlight in the open garden.  Had 7" of heavy wet snow overnight, still about 5 weeks away from the first Crocus blooms with luck (C. vitellinus is always first here).

[Sinchets]

Thanks, Armin. I did have 'Firefly', but it has yet to reappear.
Mark, I agree the tommies work very well in those shots.

[Roma]

Sunshine today but not warm enough to open the flowers on Crocus imperati, but one of my garden 'weeds', Tulipa sprengeri is germinating well.

[TheOnionMan]

Sunshine today but not warm enough to open the flowers on Crocus imperati, but one of my garden 'weeds', Tulipa sprengeri is germinating well.

Looks great, even in bud as most croci do.  Wish I had weeds like these.  I always think of butterscotch ice cream sundaes when I see the exterior color of this crocus.

[Ragged Robin]

Fabulous to se your crocus coming out Simon and I love the photo C.tommasinianus roseus in the sunlight.  I know that once the melt begins things will start to appear rapidly here too but it still feels really wintery so I'll just have to keep thinking about it and enjoying your new arrivals 

[Ragged Robin]

Roma, your 'weeds' are wonderful just such a great colour combination as good looking in bud as open - I look forward to seeing your  Tulipa sprengeri under the trees that Maggi pointed me to last year - I hope you'll post another photo when they are out 

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Great show Simon !
The first shot of the Tommies is wonderful !!   
.. alatavicus is another smashing little plant !

[art600]

Sunshine today but not warm enough to open the flowers on Crocus imperati, but one of my garden 'weeds', Tulipa sprengeri is germinating well.

I'd offer to compost your weeds if you were not so far away 

[Sinchets]

Luc, I can take no credit for C.alatavicus as it is new to me this year- but I have been helping it make friends with several C.korolkowii- I live in hope of seed set. 
Flowering here today:
Crocus gargaricus gargaricus in the woodland garden- it will sown be joined by various Corydalis of the solida and cava ilk.
Crocus olivieri growing from under a Helianthemum