Cretan-homes, Crete property estate agents

January/February newsletter

Sunshine and rain combined with spells of warm weather has been perfect for the flowers this season.  Although the bitingly cold winds in January did cause some damage, not least to some of my delicate plates on the roof terrace.

Here are some of the wonderful flowers that I have photographed during the last few weeks.

Iris unguicularis

The Cretan Iris grows in straggling bushes and can often be overlooked, particularly as it grows in shady spots.  The striking combination of purple and yellow is very beautiful and worthy of a closer inspection.

Ophrys mesaritica

The first of the orchids to bloom – this ophrys heralds the start of the orchid season. Rare and native to Crete, it is found mostly on the Mesara Plain – hence its name.  It is very similar to Ophrys iricolour, which grows later in the spring.  This specimen was photographed on a bank just outside Aghios Nikolaos.

Anemone coronaria

I never tire of photographing this fragile flower, which blooms in abundance in abandoned fields and on roadsides. The variations in colour can be spectacular.  The flowering season is quite long and gives us ample opportunity to enjoy this Anemone in all its glory!

Ricotia cretica

This is the first year I have managed to get a good photo of this little endemic flower.  Normally growing in the shade, this clump was in full sunshine and the pale mauve of its flowers looked very vibrant against the grey rocky background.

From 18^th March to 1^st April Julia will be leading a Flower Finding Trip around Crete for photographers, artists and anyone wanting to learn more about Crete and its flora. 

Please visit www.flowersofcrete.info for more information.

Coming in September – Wonderful Autumn Bulbs – 2 week trip around the island.