Delicate shades in a granny bonnet

Granny bonnet, colombine or aquilegia - lovely delicate shades of white and purple (or mauve - very old fashioned colour for a very old fashioned plant)

This brightens up a dark corner of the garden behind the gate.

Columbines are very hardy perennials, Their nodding flowers vary in size from three to six cms across, and blossoms range in color from delicate pastels to deep, vibrant colors such as purple, yellow, orange, and red. The contrasting sepals and petals of the columbine lend a pixie-like look to them as they sit atop erect, wiry stems. The foliage is lacy, and attractive even when the flowers are not in bloom.

Most columbine flowers have backward-projecting spurs that contain rich nectar.

They also self seed prolifically and pop up in unexpected corners.