Roadside verge spectacle

aeshna5 · #31 (**permalink**) 23-07-2011, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alindsay

This is a cultivated variety of yellow loosestrife

It's actually a different species- it's Dotted Loosestrife, Lysimachia punctata, which is common in gardens + frequently naturalised.

alindsay · #32 (**permalink**) 23-07-2011, 07:04 PM

Thanks for the correction.

I made the mistake of inviting it into my garden and it is pretty invasive, though admitedly pretty.

Milner_Ecology · #33 (**permalink**) 27-07-2011, 02:34 PM

Talking of verge side spectacles I found this huge swarm of orchids on a little flushed verge outside of Newtown, Powys

there must have been 300+ flower spikes, absolutely stunning.

Dorts · #34 (**permalink**) 27-07-2011, 02:45 PM

All I can say is 'WOW'. As wonderful a display of Common Spotted Orchids as I have seen.
Dorts.

Milner_Ecology · #35 (**permalink**) 27-07-2011, 05:37 PM

I know, thought they might be bistort as i drove past the first time, never seen so many orchids in one place. Does seem to have been a very good year for orchids so far (common spotted especially).

Found a lovely verge up near Slaidburn in the Forest of Bowland with chalk fragrant orchid

melancholy thistle

and loads of common twayblade

as well as some interesting looking Alchemilla but I didn't have Poland & Clement with me so couldn't ID it. It's getting to be a bit dangerous as I keep having to pull over and have a look at things!

Dorts, if you're about on the A487 between Caernafon and Bangor (approximately south of Y Felinheli) there are some astonishingly dense patches of bettony on the verges in about six or seven places.

Dorts · #36 (**permalink**) 27-07-2011, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milner_Ecology

Dorts, if you're about on the A487 between Caernafon and Bangor (approximately south of Y Felinheli) there are some astonishingly dense patches of bettony on the verges in about six or seven places.

Thanks for that, it must be an excelent year for Betony as we have some good (albeit small), patches of plants along our part of the A470. I'll certainly make a detour if I'm over that way.
Dorts.