Iris

This is one of a whole patch of irises in my mother's garden. They must be a very hardy variety as they've been in flower for much of the winter. They stayed in bloom beneath an inch or so of snow some weeks ago, and still came up smiling, if a little wryly.

This is one that was easier to spot, with fresh raindrops enhancing its delicate purple petals - they really are that colour. They grow very close to the ground and are not immediately noticeable unless you know to look for them. Another encouragingly cheerful splash of colour on another grey, grey day!