Day 102: snake's-head fritillary

Daily details from the garden to bring you inspiration throughout the year

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Is it not perfection? The twisting curve of the slender leaves, the bow of the dusky stem,  the subtle silk-screen print on the petals, apparently delicate as a moth’s wings (in reality, rather more robust), the architecture of the flower itself... I come over all unnecessary when the snake’s-head fritillaries (Fritillaria meleagris) are out – the white variety is charming, but you really need the contrast of the darker purple to appreciate the chequered markings to the fullest extent. Plant in grass – preferably in number – and, if you’re on clay count yourself lucky – this is one bulb that revels in heavy soils.


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Hello! I’m Andrew, gardener, writer, photographer, and owner of a too-loud laugh, and I’m so pleased you’ve found your way to Gardens, weeds & words. You can read a more in-depth profile of me on the About page, or by clicking this image.

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