Prairie Crocus

Spring in the UK is one of my favorite times of the year.  Though, that is if we have a spring, instead of cold, cool, rain, rainy, snow... The signs of spring have been trying to show themselves for a while now, though for some reason the snow and cold have prevented Spring to fully be sprung.  Lucky enough, the daffodils have been showing off their beauty inside for a while now.  
This week... good old Mr. Sun has finally shown himself... people, please remember though... sun does not always equal warmth..  Regardless, I still have faith that it will get here.  

I planted some Crocus bulbs last fall under Merlin.. Merlin is the massive tree in our back garden.  T likes to name things you see.  They are always usually clever names and make me laugh.  I will intro you to most of them in time.. as we have Oscar the chair, Bling the car, Maggie the Magpie, Jacques the Squirrel and Dollar the Deer (it is a Buck Deer...) Cute right?!  We refer to them as their name then.. 'oh look.. Dollar just ran through the yard!'

Meet Merlin

The crocuses have come up strong around Merlin, though a bit early as they faced a blanket of snow the other weekend.  They seemed to have pushed through and are now hopefully enjoying a bit of this sunshine.

Growing up in South Dakota, spring was always signified by beautiful prairie crocuses that blanketed my Grandma and Grandpa's ranch.  Amongst the sea of prairie was this beautiful purple flower.  Grandpa would say to me, "let's go find the crocuses Rusty Keller", and then we would drive out in his truck far into the pasture, amongst the newborn calves.  We would stop, admire the view and then he would help me pick the crocuses for Grandma.  Once home, I would rush up to give my Grandma the beautiful bouquet.  I can still smell the flowers and picture it like it was yesterday.  

Pasque Flower - Prairie Crocus - via here

Little fun facts about the prairie crocus or pasque flower:  It is the South Dakota state flower.  For my UK friends, yes that is correct, all US states have their own flowers, trees, birds, fish, etc.  The prairie crocus is not actually a crocus (lily family) as it is part of the buttercup family and it grows wild throughout the state.  The flowers are believed to blossom when the wind blows in the spring.  The Native Americans called it the "Ears of the Earth" as after the snow had melted, the prairie pushes up to listen for the first faint whisper of summer.  

So when I look at the first sign of Spring here under Merlin, I can't help but think of my Grandpa.  He was my best friend growing up.  I am so thankful I have such wonderful memories; so clear and vibrant that take me back to that 7 year old blond girl who thought her Grandpa hung the moon.

Grandpa Keller and I with Snip