orchids

this is (probably) a southern marsh orchid, growing next to some germander speedwell, in the meadows. There is only this single small patch in the whole area, under a hawthorn bush in the middle of a meadow.

dragon flies

it has been very grey and dreary for almost two weeks, but with the sun came this beautiful female libellula or darter dragon fly. Last year I blogged a similar male

mock green

this young and slightly bedraggled greenfinch is sitting in the mock orange waiting for a turn on the peanuts. I like mock orange and the scent is lovely but for some reason whenever it comes into flower it starts raining and then rains for weeks on end.

enjoying the wet

the Venterdon three enjoying an afternoon out on the pond.

bowling down the years

Stoke Sports club held a May day fete on the village green. Unfortunately, the weather turned wet late yesterday which was very bad luck and probably put some people off but the sun was out later in the afternoon.

pink bugle

this is pink bugle, a rare colour variant of bugle which is usually blue(see below). Every year, same place, same plant (only one).