I don't often think about crocuses. I see them when the flower buds begin opening in February. I notice when the house sparrows have been pulling them apart. And, as large and small drifts of the flowers appear in lawns and borders, I observe their often untidy appearance as those past their best stand alongside the more recent. But, as I was taking these two photographs it occured to me that crocuses are one of those flowers that look best from nearby, are somewhat disappointing from a distance, and often look best in direct sunlight. Moreover, I definitely prefer the purple-petalled variety with their yellow/orange stamens than those with yellow or white petals.
The first of these photographs is of more natural looking crocuses growing up through the ivy and early greenery of a churchyard. It's the one I prefer. The second photograph shows quite striking flowers clustered in a characteristic garden display.
photos © T. Boughen Camera: Nikon Z 5
