More than 2,000 yellow mammoth crocuses (Crocus flavus) and 4,000 white-and- purple Dutch crocuses (C. vernus 'Remembrance' and 'Jeanne d' Arc') are in spectacular bloom in the Evening Island meadow in April. This cultivar goes by many names, including 'Yellow Mammoth', 'Golden Yellow', and just plain Crocus 'Yellow'. It has been in cultivation for so long that its exact origin is unknown.

The meadows won't be mowed until all crocus leaves have fully withered. The leaves need plenty of time—usually about six weeks after flowering—to turn sunlight into the energy that each bulb will store until it is needed to power next spring's show. Crocus naturalizes easily, especially in well-drained soil that is kept on the dry side when bulbs are dormant.