The easiest way to plant crocus in a lawn is to lift a turf, set out the corms and replace the turf. Much easier than digging individual holes. Plant in drifts or patches rather than rows. The effect is delightful.

Last year, I planted crocus in the lawn to naturalize. I chose crocus tommasinianus 'Ruby Giant' because it is a species crocus and squirrel resistant. Two pluses for naturalizing in the lawn.

Any of the cheaper crocus will do just fine in a meadow. Mine are all equally tasty to the rabbits and even the "pest resistant" ones are mowed down just as soon as they look nice. I'd put some repellant on them but I guess the rabbits are just as excited about the spring flowers as I am...

Chiondoxa and scilla are also good lawn flowers. I'd think end of May is going to be the earliest you can mow, any earlier sounds overly optimistic for the crocus to be done growing.