Scilla nonscripta (Bluebells)

When we moved into our home some 36 years ago, we inherited quite a few scilla nonscripta or bluebells.  We have done virtually nothing to nurture them other than covering them with leaves every fall.  Some are of course blue, but many more are white and my favourite ones are a light purple.  These flowers usually bloom in late April-early May, a time which used to be precious to me.  The children still had one month of school before summer recess, the family's librarian was hard at work, my classes and exams were concluded and I could turn the entire period of about four weeks over to uninterrupted research.  From my basement desk, I could see these flowers blooming at about my eye level.