Pollen

For pollination a pollinator is also needed.  In a good year, given a cold winter, the flowers come a bit later when natural pollinators are active.   This year, if I get any seed it will most likely be down to me and my paintbrush unless something changes.  Crocus pulchricolor, seed raised as most of mine are, flowering for the first time, three years after sowing.  Loving the bit of sunshine we got at lunchtime :-)

Up early to help Jamie get to the station and to take charge of Bella who will be with me for a couple of weeks.  He got away safely.  After an hour of admin, a last walk with C and the Megs who really are going home tomorrow, having stayed on an extra few days.   Looking forward to seeing them again when the weather is warmer.   Home for lunch then some more admin this afternoon.  An hour at pottery glazing before tea and then yet more admin after, plus a bit of pot fettling.  I used a steam train cut out that Jamie made for me on the side of a mug, rubbing away some clay around it with a wet sponge.  The first time I have tried this technique, it looks good but with practice I may do better.    

I did bring another piece of rolled clay home with me earlier.  Having dried out a little, it should be ready for making into something now .... a tall vase perhaps ......