When I think of orange flowers I feel happy. My first thoughts are of warm summer days and bright orange Marigolds. Later in the season there are masses of Heleniums and other tall orangey/yellow perennials. But there are also some early spring flowers in all shades of orange… and that’s right when I feel that I need an intense shot of colour.
Walking our dog in the sunshine this morning I saw signs of spring everywhere. There were wild flowers pushing their way through the leaf litter in the hedge bottoms. A patch of Cow Parsley was blooming… although their stems were little more than 15cm/6 inches tall. (A period of cold is required to produce long stems on some plants) Even the Honeysuckle and Elder were sending out new leaves in the hedge. It’s way too early!
There’s something quite magical about a garden full of spring bulbs. After the pure white Snowdrops come the beautiful crocus flowers. At first glance it looks like a sea of blue and white.
Closer inspection reveals bright orange stamens.