“The fritillary looks like something exceedingly choice and delicate and expensive, which ought to spring from a pan in a hothouse, rather than share the fresh grass with buttercups and cowslips” (Vita Sackville-West).
Seeing fritillaries carpet a field, every flower like a Moroccan lantern lit from inside, is such an extraordinary scene.
Earth laughs in flowers 
Oh, love ’em….I first noticed these at Great Dixter a few years ago, and soon after my mother grew them. Need to get out and find some again!
They do seem to be much more popular nowadays with all the meadow planting being in fashion. Damn difficult to photograph though as the slightest breeze sets them off and you have to be very low down to catch them!
It’s new to me!
Really? Well it is a native of Europe and likes meadows and slightly damp environments so not really something you’d find in SA.
Whoa!! A nature tangle!!! Gorgeous 💥😎 if we have these anywhere in the States, I haven’t seen them. I can see how the wind would whip these little gems.
Stunning en masse Sammy 🙂
Like a Moroccan lantern! Oh, I just love that. The photos are simply beautiful.
Thanks Barbara – they are tricky things to capture, these are my best in years!
So pretty!
One of my favourites.
Gorgeous. I tried to grow some a few years ago with little success. I must try again in spring.
I have never tried to grow these, but they are surely worth the effort. A nice damp spot is favourable.
Yes, that may be the trouble. Damp spots are hard to come by here!
Indeed!
I’ve never even seen this before – or a checked flower of any sort. Thank you.
In a wildflower meadow they look stunning, especially if you can catch them with the sunlight shining through. I was very lucky with the header shot. There they do look like lanterns!
They are exquisite Jude, I absolutely love them!
Have you grown them Gilly?
No Jude I don’t think I have the right conditions – too much sun! I would love to though.
Too. Much. Sun. Oh you lucky thing 🙂
They are new to me too. Love the checks, so different.
They are very beautiful flowers.
One of my favourites Jude 🙂