Fritillaria Triptych

On another in what looks like a short run of sunny spring days, there was a lot to catch my eye in the garden, greenhouse and frames.  In particular, these three species of Fritillaria, a genus that seems to like the conditions here better than in Norfolk.   All pot grown currently are, l-r, F. acmopetala, F. affinis and F. whitallii.  The first named, from the Middle East, is sometimes grown in gardens where it likes a well drained, sunny spot.  Fritillaria whitallii, from SW Turkey, is more delicate and usually grown under cover, again appreciating a dry summer rest. I have long grown both of these.   In the centre, Fritillaria affinis is the odd one out, being a North American species, aka The Chocolate Lily, which prefers some shade, growing in light woodland and scrub, dry but shaded in summer.  It's also a plant that I have only flowered once since before Ruth was born!

Tired, unsurprisingly, it's been a mostly at home day.  When I ventured out this morning, it seemed that the world and his wife had come to town .... and all their kids!!  A sunny Easter weekend should mean a bumper start to the tourist season for local businesses but some of us locals will be lying low.   

Mike has finished work on the roof, removing the skylight, used by the seagulls as a nest perch in summer and so much damaged by them that the reinforced glass was broken and it had been leaking.  Tiles in it's place should mean one less nest and already mean it's a lot quieter indoors when they are around ... which they are already.  I've done a few chores and some cleaning but also taken it easy occasionally and enjoyed the flowers and the sunshine.