Britain’s mosttrusted voice in gardening
Our cover star: Carol Klein
Who doesn’t love ge ing more plants for free? This week Carol explains just how easy it is to take root cu ings of some of your favourite plants
There are all sorts of images that gladden our hearts and reassure us that spring is on the way. One sight in particular, that of massed crocus throwing open their flowers on a crisp, sunny morning, brings out the optimist in us all.
The inside of all crocus flowers, whether they be yellow, purple, blue or white, is always pure and solid. On a dull day their flowers are lost in the overall view but, if you get closer, the subtle shades and variations are exquisite. It’s not difficult to work out the reason for this split personality; when the sun shines, pollen ripens and flows and there are insects on the wing to collect it and transfer it to other flowers.
Petals proclaim the fact that there are riches within.
Further advertising is provided by the anthers of many crocus, which are vivid orange and also play their part in a racting pollinators. Some crocus also have sweet scent to a ract visitors.