Part of the mini 'hay meadow' that I created in our London back garden.

The purple flower in the foreground is Betony (Stachys officinalis) a beautiful wild flower that also looks good in a flower border. The foamy white flower in the backgrond is Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo). Also visible in this picture are Lesser Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) in its rayed form, Birds Foot Trefoil (lotus corniculatus) with the yellow flowers, the leaves of Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) , and wild Ladies Mantle (Alchemilla filicaulis). They are gowing in a lawn consisting mainly of of Crested Dogs Tail (Cynosurus cristatus) which is an excellent grass for garden meadows. This picture shows the meadow in July. Soon after this picture was taken, the meadow was cut, and the hay removed. Such treatment maintains the flower rich character of the mini meadow.

© Marc Carlton 2009
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