Several of our purple alliums began to bloom last week. This one was the first to reach its full round shape. I love the tiny star shaped petals.

They are slow to open and very hardy, lasting several weeks. But they are also very fragile. Each bulb produces only one flower on a long stalk. With three hyper puppies running around the yard, the alliums have often been trampled and the stalk gets broken. Over the years, I’ve tried to dig them up and move them to safer areas in the yard. They look great nestled in close to the irises.

I recently caught them on sale online at one of my favorite bulb websites and have already ordered more which will arrive in October.