In a former garden grew a small, secret grove of crocus. They were purple, white-striped; among them, snowdrops, looking like miniature Nubian goat heads, would have pushed through last year’s maple leaves. Growing on soil just above a wetland, they were my first taste of spring.

September and October brought another little display to that corner of the yard.

Now, “goodbye” to most of the flowering plants for the year. But look! “Hello” to the new low, purple-blossomed autumn crocus growing almost where the spring blooms had been. Keeping them company would be a few larger Colchicum, otherwise named meadow saffron. With low flowers, they seemed a little out of proportion to the more slender autumn crocus.

My Colchicum flowers were pinky-lavender, their petals rising broadly around central clusters of yellow stamens. Through the years, I would divide the plants to give to friends, always keeping some for my own little grove.

Other types of Colchicum may be white or rosy. Some begin as lilac or mauve, darkening to violet or purple. Some are scented. Blossoms, according to kind, may be narrow-petaled and open in form; others may carry their petals upright, almost closed.

I have received a small bag of “Autumn Crocus” or “Saffron Crocus,” not to be confused with Colchicum. They were quickly planted — rooty side down — about two inches deep in well-drained soil. Small sticks label each corm, so that next spring no one should dig them up or stamp on the soil around them. In spring, they’ll send up leaves. Further marking that area, I may plant portulaca, a low annual which also likes warm, bright sun.

If all goes well, the first flowers should appear in late September or October. They would be lilac or violet. At the center of each should be three stigmas, or, more correctly, stigmata. These may be gently removed, dried and used in recipes for a flavoring, or for a dye. For a commercial venture, many flowers are needed. Flavor? None until the stigmata are warmed in cooking.

Questions? Ask me, care of this newspaper.