0532/2031

I have to admit I'm getting slightly tired of all this rain. It seems every time I go out I get soaked. Today I spent my lunchbreak dodging puddles and sheltering under trees.



In my wet weather walks, though, I've spotted rings of mushrooms and I've seen some amazing wild flowers - they can be quite dramatic when they all bloom at the same time. There are meadows full of cowslips near my home (see my previous post), and masses of garlic mustard, which I don't think I've ever seen in such lush abundance! I've also been noticing subtle differences in the way various leaves reflect the light - some give off a blue tint, others seem to glow a bright yellow-green. The contrasts in the fields and hedgerows are strong at this time of year, and even more striking after the rain.


Ground ivy


Hemlock


Silverweed

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

This is Garlic Mustard (also known as Jack-by-the-hedge and Hedge Garlic). It's VERY common in the UK, and you can find baby leaves from late winter through to late spring.

It has a mild oniony flavour, and is apparently very good with fish or in mint sauce.

These pictures were taken on Sunday at the allotments (click to view bigger).