Betony

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There is a feel of high summer about the meadow today. Temps in the mid 20s C and the vegetation is lush. The air is filled with chimney sweeper moths and ringlet butterflies and meadow brown butterflies. One pretty little flower that appears at this time of year is betony. I saw two or three blooms, I am sure there are more tucked away.



The first written mention of betony is by the Romans who thought it was a good plant to have in a graveyard because it would discourage ghosts! It must work because its ages since Ive seen a goblin. Later it was used in medieval times as a cure for drunkenness. Betony is an indicator species of ancient woodland.
I saw lots of meadow brown butterfly but only got a couple of less than satisfactory photos!


Diary
I heard a lot of noise from a kestrel in a tree on the meadow edge. I am pretty sure that there are a pair feeding young there.



 

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