Great!

Another beautiful morning saw us heading off for a walk around Mapperley Reservoir.  The hedgerows are in full bloom now, among the more eye-catching of these flowers have to be those belonging to the Great Bindweed (Calystegia silvatica).

The large, white trumpets of Great Bindweed make a fantastic show in high Summer and are a big hit with the local insects too.

Another 'Great' flower to grace the edges of the footpaths of Summer, is that of the Greater Knapweed(Centaurea scabiosa).  One of the Daisy family, it is a common sight in Britain and is also very popular with insects - especially the bees.

The plant is a favourite among several butterflies and moths, in particular, those known as 'case-bearers' or
Coleophoridae.   The leaves of the Greater Knapweed have moisturising or emollient properties for smoothing and soothing dry skin.

Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium) is beginning to bloom now as well.  The tall, stately plants rise above the surrounding flora and send up these wonderful, pink-flowered spikes, which look fantastic in the bright sunshine.

These were growing near Mapperley Wood this morning as we left the shade of the woodland and emerged into the sunshine of Slack Lane.