I got the fever, FEVER!!!!
Fritillaria fever that is. I feel like I must have a huge drift of them, a lovely meadow, like the one in Hyde Park that I would walk by, every day on my way to work. I know that you have heard this before, my obsession with drifts of bulbs. Snowdrops, crocus, Scilla, it never ends, but luckily, (or unluckily enough for Ian’s wallet), I have the room. I can have a drift of bulbs, (one variety only at a time for more visual impact), in every corner of my garden.
Here is the start of the Fritillaria meadow.
May it only get larger!
I am a floral designer living in a tiny condo in downtown Toronto, Canada's largest city. But on the weekend, I am a gardener/frustrated architect trying to keep up with a 3/4 acre garden in Owen Sound, Ontario, a warm (to Canadians, Zone 5b, and a cold (to Americans, Zone 4b) garden.
Green Theatre 
lynne said,
May 27, 2011 @ 9:23 AM
I’ve never grown these before and I had no idea they grew so tall. I may have to investigate this further 😉
kilbournegrove said,
June 3, 2011 @ 8:33 AM
Good thing they are tall, you can see the flowers over the long grass/weeds. I shall have to remember to mow this bit of lawn quite short this autumn.
Pauline Mulligan said,
May 27, 2011 @ 2:26 PM
They are so beautiful, lucky you having a meadow to grow them in. I make do with a corner of my woodland where they seem quite happy. I started out with just 50 bulbs ( they are very cheap here) and then just sprinkle the seed when it is ready. I must have hundreds now and some have come up white. You will only need to be patient for 2 or 3 years then you will have your longed for drift !!!
kilbournegrove said,
June 3, 2011 @ 8:35 AM
Pauline, I hate to tell you, but that is my lawn, lol! Which will one day, disappear. Looking forward to a drift when we return to canada.
Elephant's Eye said,
May 27, 2011 @ 3:52 PM
Now that would be my heaven! The only live fritillary I’ve seen, was growing in a cage, at London Zoo.
kilbournegrove said,
June 3, 2011 @ 8:35 AM
That would be quite the sight Diana.
ricki said,
May 27, 2011 @ 4:03 PM
The checkered lilies are fabulous, but what I really long for is F persica…it comes up every year, but never blooms. F. uva vulpa, same story. Guess I will just keep trying different locations. Your maleagres is lovely in the grass like that.
kilbournegrove said,
June 3, 2011 @ 8:36 AM
F. uva vulpa I had in Kingston, have not planted it her yet, but F. persica, def on the list!
Curbstone Valley Farm said,
May 27, 2011 @ 6:48 PM
I had a similar affliction this spring when I found my first wild fritillaria growing on the property. Such mesmerizing little blooms. I love them!
kilbournegrove said,
June 3, 2011 @ 8:36 AM
I remember that post, it was gorgeous!
michael 'hazeltree' thompson said,
May 28, 2011 @ 9:35 AM
We grow some too, we find they do not like drying out in the summer…
kilbournegrove said,
June 3, 2011 @ 8:37 AM
Michael, this is the spot where the rain runs too, hopefully they will be happy.
Shyrlene said,
May 29, 2011 @ 6:50 PM
What a wonderful bloom! Just lovely…
kilbournegrove said,
June 3, 2011 @ 8:38 AM
They are lovely little checked wonders.
teza said,
May 29, 2011 @ 8:46 PM
D:
They are a wonderful addition are they not, and always seem to bring a smile to my face when I come across them. Do not have any as of yet, but you make it all very tempting indeed!
kilbournegrove said,
June 3, 2011 @ 8:38 AM
Go on, I am sure you can fit one or two of them in.
fritillaria - phile said,
May 31, 2011 @ 9:46 PM
I got that fever too. Mm – hm! Prettiest little complicated little flower I ever did see.
kilbournegrove said,
June 3, 2011 @ 8:53 AM
Watch out, it is quite contagious!
mossandivy said,
March 31, 2012 @ 2:15 PM
Love the Frits! I need a lawn full of them too. Unfortunately, I fear the heavy clay/poor drainage would do them in.
-Susan
kilbournegrove said,
April 3, 2012 @ 12:15 PM
Yes, I do not think they like that, I do hope they increase this year, have my count from last year, so I am all ready.
mossandivy said,
April 3, 2012 @ 12:51 PM
Thanks, I do have a nice patch of them in one of my raised beds and they are just beginning to unfurl now. They are so romantic and old world to me.