Ah, the power of a name, or rather a misnomer. Crocus means “yellow” or “saffron” and refers to a fall blooming flower. This image shows a purple bloom appearing in my yard today, a sign of spring’s arrival tomorrow. It is the crocus vernal, or spring crocus. 

This delicate, petite flower is the first to bloom in my northern garden, sometimes coming up through the snow. It has been hardy enough to thrive in this mixed weather climate for twenty-six years (since it was planted in our garden when we were new homeowners).  I find it fitting that blanketing the ground are leaves from another resilient specimen, the “mighty” oak. Strength can manifest in large and small ways. Delicate does not always mean weak, just as saffron does not always mean purple.