Hemp-agrimony – Holy Rope – Eupatorium cannabinum

Hemp-agrimony – (Eupatorium cannabinum, family: Asteraceae), also known as holy rope. This tall hemp-like flowering perennial plant certainly makes an attractive sight but is also a favourite with the butterflies. Native to most of Europe, NW Africa and Central Asia it is part of the large Asteraceae or daisy family.

Although called a ‘hemp’ and the Latin name suggests a link to the Cannabis plants they are not closely related and not used in the same way. They do have a history of medicinal use as anti-inflammatory and for healing wounds. Otherwise an attractive flowering plant.

hemp-agrimony - holy rope - Eupatorium cannabinum

Leucanthemum vulgar – Oxeye daisy everywhere

Oxeye daisy is now everywhere. It grows in abundance on the roadside verges, river banks, parks and any grassy areas that suit. They prefer a sunny location with well drained soil, and that means they will be at home on any south facing embankment, proliferating at the expense of most other flowers. Still a welcome site that cheers up the green landscape, or brown as it is becoming at the moment.

Leucanthemum vulgare or Oxeye daisy are part of the Asteraceae family with the typical daisy like flower head of white petals with a bright yellow central disc. This disc contains many nectar filled flowers that attract bees, butterflies and many other insects. So, good for the biodiversity, as long as they don’t completely dominate an area.
Speckled Wood Butterfly – Amazing Aerobatics

The speckled wood butterfly can be seen showing off its amazing aerobatic skills as they flit about the woodlands in such mesmerising displays. It’s hard to catch them in a moment of still to get a good image, especially once the day has warmed up and they are active.

They range between various shades of brown and orange with patches of yellow, orange and cream. They have some that look like targets with a bullseye. Given the fall in numbers of many species of butterflies, as reported in the Big Butterfly Count, it is good to see them in such numbers this year.
Hornet Mimic Hoverfly – Volucella zonaria

Hornet Mimic Hoverfly – (Volucella zonaria, family:Syrphidae). This very large hoverfly was largely absent from the UK until after 1940 but is now a relatively common sight. On initial sight you are thinking Hornet, but these have much bigger eyes and thankfully no sting. Very impressive at about an inch long with a wide body and impressive wingspan.

Good pollinators, this one was busy on the Buddleja as can be seen from all the pollen collected around the abdomen. It was resting on the Indian Bean Tree making for a good clear image.
Oregano – Origanum vulgare

Oregano – (Origanum vulgare, family: Lamiaceae). From the mint family and one of the most popular culinary herbs, especially in Southern Mediterranean, Greek and Turkish dishes. This can be cultivated but here seen growing wild adorning the summer meadow. A surprise that needs to be protected from the masses, as it could easily be trampled if care is not taken.

In colder climates it grows as an annual but in wormer areas it is a perennial. Given the warmer climate is moving further north these days the Oregano plant is comfortable in more northerly regions. That’s good news for pizza lovers across the north of Europe and beyond.
Scarce Swallowtail Butterfly

Scarce Swallowtail Butterfly (Iphiclides podalirius, family:Papilionidae). Again at the Medieval Gardens at the Rocca di Angera on the Eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, Italy, a butterfly that is scarce in my locality. Hence the common name in English, Scarce. In reality these are not uncommon throughout central and southern Europe.

This particular Butterfly has had a bit of a hard life and just a little ragged around the edges but at least retains its signature swallowtails. Seen here feeding on the Gomphrena globosa or globe amaranth a plant popular with the pollinators.
Cosmos – Garden Stars That Shine

The Daisy family, Asteraceae, is the second biggest and provides some of the best loved flowing plants we have. Cosmos are well ordered flowers with fine featherlike leaves that stand tall. The name Cosmos comes from the Greek for ‘ordered world’.

They are well ordered and keep their form, even when massed together, giving a super colourful display in any border. Colours range from chocolate, through orange, magenta, pink and white. All with a yellow centre with radial petals, like little solar systems or galaxies in perfect synchronisation. A very apt name, Cosmos.

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