im_Nov_wk1

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Most links lead to a mini-gallery of 2 or more larger pictures.

	Tulipa 'Little Princess', a fiery gem of a dwarf tulip, listed as a cross between T. hageri and T. aucheriana, however each of those parent species is itself in question. No matter, the blended coppery orange flowers on 3" stems make this a must for the rock garden.
	Tulipa polychroma - a treasure among the dwarf Tulipa species, it's a shame I only discovered it a couple years ago. Merely 2-3" tall in bloom, the flowers are charming little white star-cups with a yellow center and muted bluish-olive shading on the back of the outer tepals.
	Calochortus luteus 'Golden Orb' - Mass propagated by Dutch bulb growers, I figured this one may be "doable" in our New England climate. Sure enough, it's a summer spectacle, with gorgeous golden orbs (aptly named) in June and July.
	Osteospermum jucundum - one of Panayoti Kelaidis's great introductions, this South African compositae is among the best new introductions for the rock garden. Steadfastly hardy, the silver pink flowers in early summer really put on a show. This link also shows the deep pink Osteospermum barberae.
	Triteleia bridgesii - This western American bulbous plant continues to astound me with its huge umbels of royal purple flowers. Also pictured, if you follow this link, is Brodiaea purdyi, a dwarf relative, with sprays of blue- purple flowers in mid summer. Both should be more widely grown.
	Crocus tournefortii - perhaps the most sublimely beautiful autumn crocus of all, with open chalices of satiny lavender-blue, a heart of golden yellow, and those absurd divided styles of hot red-orange hanging outside the flower like a bell clapper. Flowers in late October - November. Also shown in this link, is Crocus pallasii.
	Crocus goulimyi - The rounded goblets of this species are precious. The flowers have a three-part arrangement, the inner tepals near white, the outer tepals are pearlaceous lavender, with a delicious fragrance to boot. Flowers in late October - November.
	Allium 'Hot Cauldron' - one of my 2003 selections of Allium flavum ssp. tauricum. While I've already selected similar hot red-orange colors, this plant has nice silvery stems, a good compact habit, and a floriferous display in July.
	Allium karataviense - there are many forms of this showy onion. On the left is the typical "pinkish" form, and on the right is the recently popular pure white form sold as 'Ivory Queen'. Click on this link to see several more color forms and recently collected specimens.
	Allium backhousianum - a rare species in section Melanocrommyum, with a distinctive "look". Growing to about 4' tall, it has dark gray ovaries, narrow filamentous tepals, and long protruding stamens. This species is not available commercially.
	Lysimachia atropurpurea - from Greece, this has become my new favorite "weed". A biennial, it makes flat rosettes of gray marbled leaves, and in the 2nd year creates a veritable forest of upright stems to 2'-3' (60-90 cm), with striking Eryngium-like silver foliage and narrow spires of tiny claret hued flowers.
	Narcissus 'Pipit' - I have a particular fancy for pale yellow flowers, so it's not surprising that this one is among my favorites. The lovely, glowing pale yellow flowers have trumpets that age to white for a striking two-toned look. The blooms have a strong aroma; somewhat unpleasant at first, but later becoming enticingly sweet. A jonquilla type that flowers later than most.