Pathway Grasses

These two grasses, including my first new species of plant this year, were growing on the gravel pathway leading to the house. Quite a big patch of Wall Barley (Hordeum murinum) has established itself along the alley. The other grass, Fern Grass (Catapodium rigidum) is a short and suprisingly stiff grass; again a common species along roadsides and paths.

#497 Wall Barley (Hordeum murinum) and #773 Fern Grass (Catapodium rigidum)

La Fête du Muguet

Giving a bouquet of Muguet or Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) on 1st May is a tradition in France. Mine in the garden are only just ready in time, recent cold weather having slowed things right down. Other flowers looking good right now are the Welsh Poppies (Meconopsis cambrica), Apple blosson (Malus pumila) and the only new species for a little while, Field Wood-rush (Luzula campestris, #471),, This is a Spring-flowering grass and common weed in lawns, which is also sometimes called Good Friday Grass. Insects are few, but when the sun shines butterflies soon appear (Holly Blue, Orange Tip and a Red Admiral today) and the first returning swift was overhead yesterday.

#40 Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

#45 Welsh Poppy (Meconopsis cambrica)

#56 Apple (Malus pumila)

#471 Field Wood-rush (Luzula campestris)