This clump of Echium is the favourite stopping place for insects wanting their nectar fix .I'll be making sure I collect plenty of seed to ensure the clump is bigger in future years It stands almost 5 feet tall and has been full of flowers for weeks. It looks as if its going to go on producing its nectar rich flower for a good while longer yet.

Bumble bee

Honey bee

Small Tortoise Shell Butterfly

New additions for July 6th

Smooth Hawksbeard Crepis capillaris

Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo)

Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium)

Ladies Bedstraw (galium verum)

Scentless Feverfew (Tanacetum corymbosum)

Sneezewort - Achillea ptarmica

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis,alba

Wild Carrot (Daucus Carota)2

Yarrow Achillea millefoliumdd 

Corncockle (Agrostemma githago)

More new additions for July

Orange Hawkweed Pilosella aurantiaca

Lesser Knapweed Centaurea nigra

Great Hairy Willow Herb Epilobium hirsutum

Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare)

How the meadow looks at the moment

 This is how the meadow is looking at the moment.a little lacking in colour ,but a new flush of colour due soon .I will have to cut the islands shortly . new plug plants to plant for 2012 .I have bought the seeds from Nickies nursery on line . I have not bought from there before but the packet of Bloody Cranesbill was a nice large packet very reasonable price and very good germination . I will just have to see how the other packets perform

2nd of July Meadow before its cut

Getting Bolder

 The Goldfinches are now getting quite cheeky 10 waited on the hedge for me to leave so they could eat their supper

The Start of Flowers for July

The Ox Eye Daisies are now starting to fade and already the gold finches are moving in to feast on the seed heads. Unfortunately I can't get a picture of these they fly away before I can get close enough. 

Common chicory, Cichorium intybus,

 Hedge Cranesbill (Geranium spp)

 Scentless Feverfew (Tanacetum corymbosum)