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                         a   S T A M M E R  project              

2007 July 7 & 8, Saturday & Sunday

 A new wave a flowering plants was this weekend represented by Picris hieracioides (Hawkweed Oxtongue), Daucus carota (Wild Carrot), Verbascum sinuatum (Wavyleaf mullein) and Tansy Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) which are growing on many parts of the terrain in considerable numbers.

Close-up of Hawkweed Oxtongue.
Saturday 9:32
 

Wavyleaf mullein on the upper terrace, with some omnipresent ants.
Saturday 10:52

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Less striking is the first flowering of Cephalaria leucantha (=Scabiosa leucantha) which reaches even higher than its close cousin Scabiosa columbaria (Pincushion Flower). The latter has now finally passed its mayor flowering period. A striking plant that attrackts loads of insects which don't seem to have any problems with the terrible swaying in the wind.

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The first flowers of Sedum sediforme (Pale Stonecrop) had already appeared some weeks ago but all plants were now in full bloom which resulted in a beautiful sight not only on the terrain but also in the surrounding landscape, especially on the edges of the main roads. Last year the flowering had been much less (if I can count on the number of dry stems in October 2006) and I think they have especially been favoured by the abundant spring rainfall. They are attracting many bees and bumblebees.

More or less the same holds true for the brambles, which in all their anarchy and aggressiveness can be quite graceful. Their ecological value is unquestioned and they attract many insects, especially butterflies.

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Many flowers have of course been transformed into fruits these days. The berries of Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood) are still green but the flower stems are of a beautiful red and also some of the leaves start turning red.

Helichrysum stoechas is now making clear that he belongs to the Strawflower genus.

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The general aspect of the terrain is getting drier and drier but offering many subtleties for the attentive eye but not exactly for the lens of a middle class digital camera. Nevertheless I try to give some of these impressions making use of counter light from the sun to give some depth in the vegetation.

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The many small Kermes Oak shrubs (Quercus coccifera) on the higher central terrace are doing very well. Apparently they have also enjoyed the abundant spring rainfall after several dry years and perhaps also the pruning last February had beneficial effects. They form a nice element in a small scale landscape, offering some contrast and relief with their green colour and height.

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If you are a poet or writer you should definitively have this herb in your garden because it has the reputation of stimulating inspiration (apart from sleep, love and a host of other affections). I am referring to Common Vervain (Verbena officinalis), a modest inconspicuous herb that appeared on one place near the entrance.

introduction
floristic catalogue
faunistic catalogue
contact
index
gallery 1: 2006-2012
gallery 2: 2012-
map
>> 2007 Jul 14
<< 2007 Jun 30