The urban margins can be productive places to search for wildflowers. This stand of Wild Clary (Salvia verbenaca) is to be found on an unkempt bank between a recreation ground and some garages. Phil Barron drew my attention to this location when we were discussing the much larger colony on Windmill Hill nearby.

 As noted in Monday's entry there would be a spectacular display on the hill with sympathetic management. Fortunately this bank seems to receive little or no 'maintenance' from the municipal mowers. Perhaps it gets an occasional strim that keeps the brambles at bay? 

 Left to its own devices Wild Clary can grow quite tall and prosper among tall grass and alongside taller perennials like Cow Parsley. A rare species these days yet it appears to be persistent/vigorous and these two colonies have survived the urban expansion of Hitchin. The habitat must correspond to its rural past.