Please forgive me for clogging your inboxes with two photographic posts in as many days but I thought some people might find it interesting to have a closer look at the wild flowers we have growing here on the Downs at present. There is a spectacular array, many of them quite common but some rarer and more specific to the chalk grassland habitat.
And finally one I am not sure of so if anyone knows I would be delighted to hear from you! I believe it may be Red Bartsia but as it doesn’t quite fit the description I remain slightly in doubt.
Wildflowers are a whimsical gift from this bountiful Earth. These are wonderful!
LikeLike
They do look so beautiful all together swaying in the breeze. A gift indeed!
LikeLike
Do not apologize! I am delighted to see more pictures, Lucinda!! Your photography is just amazing. I could get lost in the details of your pictures for hours and be content:) I read a bit about scabious in an obscure little fanciful book. It was written by a beekeeper, many years ago, and while the book itself was a bit of a bee fiction/fantasy, I think the actual knowledge of bee lore in it is sound. In one spot he mentions how the eggs came down with a disease and the workers went and got the bitter nectar from the devil’s bit, (i believe it was), and fed it to the queen to help heal her and save the colony. I have thought I should plant some just in case for my apiary!Adore the picture of it in bud! thank you for sharing xoxoxo
LikeLike
That is fascinating Leslie, thank you so much for sharing. I’ll be sure to remember when we eventually get some bees! xxxx
LikeLike
WONDERFUL PHOTOS. Thanks so much for posting, Lynda
LikeLike
Thanks Lynda!
LikeLike
What a beautiful tour! It is always such a lovely thing to be introduced to new flowers, to know their names and see them up close. Plus, your photos are so especially beautiful, I could never ever tire of them!
LikeLike
Soon you shall see all these British wildflowers for yourself! I am sure Cornwall must have some wonderful areas of coastal plants. Perhaps we can explore them together. 🙂
LikeLike
A beautiful gift of images like this is the opposite of clogging. 🙂
Michael
LikeLike
Thanks Michael!
LikeLike
love it. wish i could be there now, just looking at them.
LikeLike
Thanks Nicole. It is a special place to be!
LikeLike
How beautiful! Lifted my spirits immensely. No flower better than a wildflower. I love how they band and sway together in their delicacy.
LikeLike
I agree, the more showy cultivars rarely compare in my mind either. No one does it better that nature herself.
LikeLike
I’ve seen a lot of red bartsia around here in Oxfordshire. Is there anything you can do with it or just admire it with all the other beautiful wild flowers?
Love your blog by the way. I’m quite new to all this but your blog is so inspirational and informative! Keep up the good work!!
LikeLike
Hi Frances, I have never heard of red bartsia being used as a herbal remedy but there are a lot of plants that were used in days-gone-by that are now forgotten about in favour of those that have more research behind them. Still I don’t think I have ever seen it referred to in any of my older herbals. I will have to have a look through and see if I can find any references, if so I will let you know!
Thanks for your lovely words.
LikeLike
Hello!
The last image is definitely of red bartsia (Odontites vernus). It would be interesting for me to know if it was growing in the centre of the meadow, interspersed among other plants or around the edges, where there might be more trampling.
All the best,
LikeLike
Hi Anna, it was growing up on the chalk downs and mainly towards the edges I would say but not in the paths where there is more footfall. Thanks for your input.
LikeLike
Thank you for your post and wonderful photos. While out riding on the South Downs I have noticed a wonderful fragrance that fills the air but did not know which plant it was coming from. A long walk helped me find which flower was producing the smell and your photos have helped put a name to it. Its Lady’s Bedstraw! I have not noticed it before, so perhaps it is in abundance this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah yes, it has a lovely fragrance doesn’t it. They used to use it to stuff mattresses I believe, hence the name.
LikeLiked by 1 person