the blessed bennet

much used in herbal medicine, the name of this persistent and widespread weed is apparently a corruption of herba benedicta, or blessed herb. Later it develops a fascinating little seed head with sharp hooks for lodging in rough coats, hence no doubt the beneficial effect of hair of the dog. I say eat the dog and forget the herbs. No, I don't.

cats' ears

you may wonder what this is; it is the ear that gives this plant its name. Not much of a cat, if a lurcher may say so. But the flower is beautiful, like all of the hawkbit and dandelion family

marsh orchids

while the boss was getting excited about this southern marsh orchid, IN A FIELD NEAR YOU! The green sepals pointing up are supposed to look like a bird's wings. This is not really in the known range of the marsh orchids so he may be mistaken.

Anyway, come with us, take a walk, let life in.

spirit of running

Harriet chasing me through the long grass, the spirit of running in my heart.

birthdays

Sally is seven dog years and a bit today.


That sounds quite young to me.

happy 11111/0






lots of love the orchard house mob

don't forget its my birthday very soon and I am expecting lots of presents. Spot.

hawthorn

the hawthorn is out everywhere now. This hedge shrub/tree is regarded with some indifference these days but has a rich and ancient lore attached to it, especially by anglo-saxons. This is covered in detail in Richard Mabey's fantastic book Flora Britannica.