NORTH DOWNS & BEYOND

The 4th garden record of Vestal turned up last night. I'd have preferred a Red-necked Footman... This Cornflower was at Langley Vale Farm - an echo from a bygone age? Most probably not, as this Phacelia was growing just 5m away

On the border between Nonsuch and Cheam Park, some kind-hearted soul has decided to create a wildflower meadow. I stood mesmerised by the sympathetic and frankly exciting mixture that had been chosen - Corn Chamomile, Cornflower, Corncockle, Corn Marigold - all that was missing was Corncrake! This is how I imagine all field edges appeared when John Ray wandered the countryside in the late 17th century. Simply stunning. Corncockle Cornflower - the colour of summer skies... ...with the sun in the middle, courtesy of Corn Marigold