Harriet Beecher Stow writes of the crocus bulb:

"Ah, deeper down--cold, dark, and chill--

We buried our heart's flower,

But angel-like shall he arise

In spring's immortal hour."

The crocus is a treasure of spring, when we feel a bit cooped up from the cold winter, and long for color, they pop up so cheerful and bright!

Crocus is easy to plant and nurture, so be sure to try a grouping this year. They do best in full sun, however, if the planting area receives sun in the spring before the leaves on the trees are out, they will do fine too. Prepare the soil with compost or manure before planting the bulbs. They don't need especially fertile soil, but preparation is good.

If squirrels or other rodents are a problem you'll want to try planting the corms of your crocus a bit deeper, about 5 inches, and mulch with chopped up fallen leaves. You can also try "planting" a few moth balls in the ground around the corms too-squirrels generally don't like the smell.

Crocus is prettiest planted in groups, whether in mixed colors or little sections of all one color. Plant them about 3-4 inches apart. They will fill in later as they multiply. Once they become too crowded you can dig them up after their foliage browns in the spring and divide them.

You can also lift small patches of grass with a trowel, add a little compost to the soil, plant your crocus and replace the grass. Be sure you don't mow over the foliage the next spring until the blooms are gone and leaves have yellowed.

This is a neat way to plant along walks or fences! You can also plant them in a circle, which will make your children or grandchildren giggle if you tell them perhaps the fairies dance in the circle or give tea parties while they sleep.

Image: Wikimedia.org