What is interesting about crocus?

 Crocus is one of the very first flowers that bloom in our garden in the spring. These flowers are the first harbingers that it is time to wake up from hibernation and work on the garden. 

The great German philosopher, poet and naturalist Goethe called crocuses spring flowers of joy. Probably because after a harsh winter they are the first harbingers of the awakening of nature. 

 

 

Since ancient times, crocuses have been grown in Assyria, India and Egypt. The ancient Greeks considered crocus a symbol of happiness, the flower of the goddess of the morning dawn Aurora. 

Now crocuses are cultivated as a spicy, dye, medicinal and ornamental plant. Crocus is most widely used because of its valuable product (stigma), which is used in cooking as a seasoning for dishes. The stigma contains the coloring agents croquin and saffron, as well as essential oil with a pleasant smell and taste. 

 

Saffron was known not only as a fragrant agent, as a dye for fabric, as an exquisite seasoning used in royal kitchens, but also as a precious medicine. Descriptions of the medicinal properties of saffron are in Chinese medical books dating back to 2600 BC and in Egyptian texts dating back to 1500 BC. 

 

There are many types of crocuses in nature, among which are yellow, bright blue with purple stripes, and pinkish. The British believe that admiring crocuses sets a romantic mood, instills a desire for travel and noble deeds. 

 

It is recommended to admire the spring purple crocuses more often. This species is especially popular in Great Britain - the Royal Horticultural Society respects it very much not only for the beauty of its forms, but also for its enviable vitality.

Spring Is Coming

The air is already warm. Last week the temperature was +15. I haven't been to the garden yet because of my sore leg, but I was shown photos, and I was inspired by the long-awaited changes.

The soil has not yet warmed up, but in some places the grass is already starting to turn green and the first spring flowers, crocuses and snowdrops are appearing. There is snow on the northern side of the garden. Spring is still cool and windy.

 

Here (below) is what the lawn in front of the summer cottage looked like at the end of March.But the snow quickly melted at the beginning of April.

Every spring you want to see these brave flowers appearing right from under the snow.

It is amazing that the bees woke up so early in the spring and are already collecting nectar from crocuses.

I have already prepared disposable cups for flower and vegetable seedlings at home. A little soil for seedlings was left over from last year and I also received some by order. I hope it will be enough for 30 disposable cups. 

It is difficult to predict the weather in May, when the plants should be actively growing. There are many perennial flowers in the flowerbeds that bloom early in April and in May: tulips, crocuses, daffodils, muscari. I think they will perfectly decorate the modest nature of spring.

Despite the fact that no one has lived in the cottage since October, there is always a lot of work in the house. Hang fresh curtains, air out the carpets, wipe the dust in the rooms, clean the kitchen, etc.

I would like my leg to quickly reach the state when I can walk and climb the stairs. For me, this is very important now.

All the best to everyone. 

Houseplants

 

I can't go to the garden yet, and spring is slow to arrive. There is still snow in some places in the garden, as our garden neighbors  told me. Hyacinths are blooming at home. I ordered hyacinth bulbs and decided to decorate them a little with candles. There is a wonderful aroma in the living room.
 

 

Clivia is blooming in my bedroom. It constantly blooms at the beginning of spring. Begonia is blooming in its company. This small pot of begonia was given to me as a gift. I don't know how long it will bloom and whether it will bloom again.

 

 

These plants make me happy. I go a little with the help of walkers, try to stand on a sore leg and keep balance. I want to get better faster.

Take care!