I have the first geraniums in flower. Not those horrid bright red things you put in tubs and baskets (true name zonal pelargoniums) but those delicate perennials in the cranesbill family, named on account of the shape of their seeds.
I was actually going to take pictures myself this morning but awaking to rain and gales I have been picking my flowers from the net.
Early spring brings the Geranium phaeum family out. The first one of mine to flower each year is Ger. punctatum which although related to the Ger. phaeums has some subtle differences that only the taxonomists know about. It might even be a hybrid, it certainly seems to be of a garden origin. It's spotted leaves give rise to the common name of dot leaved geranium.
Next to come is Ger phaeum lividum and I love this for it's habit of turning its petals back so it looks like a little pointed face. It's flowers are slightly larger than those of G punctatum too.
The third picture is G phaeum Samobor or the Mourning Widow, This picture does not do it justice as it's petals shine and catch the sun with lots of different colours. The purple it seems to be from a distance alters on close inspection to a multitude of cherries, plums and even pale pinks. this one too has reddish spots on it's leaves. One of my favourites and one which I can not finsd a picture of is G Phaeum Langthorne's Blue which contrasts well with the white one it lives near! This one is much bluer and darker, not a true blue but more of a damson colour.
Lastly is G phaeum alba, pure white flowers with halo shaped petals which turn to face the sun. This one is usually taller than the rest and certainly is in my garden.
Unusually I haven't bought any new ones yet this year, but watch this space, it's only because the weather has been too cold to go plant hunting.
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