Seasons in Montana are EXTREME! We get it all. Within a week or so our yard has gone from snow fort central to …drum roll please… SPRING! Winters last from November to April so this is much cause for celebration. Upon my return from Belize this week I beheld the first bloom in my hodgepodge rock wall garden. The magnificent, early blooming Crocus.
Did you know that…
Crocus sativus, in the iris family, is the source of that expensive yellow spice, saffron?
My only beef with this particular crocus (Yes I have beef with flowers. Maybe you should too?) is that the bulbs I purchased were sold as a variety of colors. Thus far, two years’ of blooms in, it’s all coming up yellow. That is, until today! Note that lil purple guy in the back.
Check out below. I attempted a super-sped up video of the blooming action, ending up with an hour-plus video compressed down to 3.5 minutes.
Other signs of spring at the Rocking PK Ranch include:
- Strange bird calls coming from the bare cottonwoods. Could be some type of woodpecker.
- Bluebirds inspecting my birdhouses. Conditions found wanting, homes remain available for rent.
- Disgruntled chickadees check in and find us near the feeder. Dismayed, they retreat to the juniper.
- Jack Creek (Crick?) doing its thing o’er yonder.
- Moving from sun to shade involves a completely separate wardrobe.
Unbeknownst to any
Jolene 0’Palmer
none to see or speak of
Blooms did peek along swollen creek
swift and silent
Solitary as cottonwoods falling
The 17% Irish part
Mountains to Mangroves 
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