What a Bind

In the hedgerows at this time of year, there is one flower above all, which catches the eye.  Not just for its bright, white flowers and heart-shaped leaves, but mostly for the size of its trumpet-like flowers.  Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium), if it were not a native 'weed', would almost certainly be planted as a large flowered 'exotic' in our gardens.  With its wonderful, large flowers and rambling habit, it would grace any garden pergola.

A closer look down the trumpet reveals the yellowish centre of the flower as well as many fine lines which act as 'runways' for pollinating insects.

The nectaries are located at the bottom of the 'trumpet' and are irresistible to Hoverflies.  This one was so busy, it didn't seem to notice the camera pointing at it.