Peas

The Legume family - commonly known as Peas and Beans - is a large and varied family and one with which we humans, are well acquainted.  In the wild, we have a vast number of 'pea' plants to brighten the countryside.  Among the more common are the Melilots.  In the UK, we have three common members, White, Ribbed and these, Tall Melilot (Melilotus altissima).

Originating in mainland Europe, this is not a UK native, but was introduced (as many of the pea family have been), as a fodder crop.  Seen here, growing amongst the Meadowsweet, it makes quite a show.

Back home and we have a good display of wild, Broad-leaved Everlasting Sweet Peas (Lathyrus latifolius) which we found a few years ago, growing by the side of Slack Lane in Shipley Park.  Collecting the seeds, I grew them on and we now have a spectacular - and free - display.

They're doing so well, they are in danger of strangling the grape vines with which they are growing, but the Bees and Butterflies love them and with hundreds of blooms like this, so do we!