Planting the Bulb

A dry crocus bulb sat on the slatted timber of the potting bench, its papery brown tunic flaking slightly at the base. I lifted the bulb with both paws, noting the pale green shoot peeking from its crown. Beside a stack of weathered clay saucers stood a small terracotta pot filled with rich, dark loam. Using both paws, I pressed a neat hollow into the center of the soil and eased the bulb upright inside. I gathered loose earth around its papery flanks, patting the surface firm until only the sturdy green tip remained visible.