Musk Mallow (Malva moschata) is a species I see in the chalk countryside from time to time, it likes a well drained soil. I imagine they would have been more common before farming mechanised and herbicides became the norm. An archetypal 'cottage garden plant' from the days when cottagers would have propagated the prettiest plants from the surrounding area for their gardens.

 Bumblebees were busy on the flowers. I noticed they seemed to be ignoring the pollen dusted stamen in favour of nectar robbing i.e. extracting nectar from the base of the flower.

Drought or no the toughest plants tough it out.

 

Seeing a lot of Gatekeepers and they like Knapweed.

 

 Elecampane (Inula helenium) is a plant I've always meant to grow. Obligingly this one has self-seeded on the allotment from a handsome stand on the neighbouring plot.

 I. helenium is native to West and Central Asia but an ancient introduction on these shores. It was known to both the Celts and the Romans. Much plant lore is associated with the properties of Elecampane; herbalists regard it as medicinal and elves consider it to be magical.

 

 Long summer days open up the possibility of evening walks when the work of the day is done. Still sunny and the air is warm. Pint at the Half Moon on the way out, and another on the way back.

 

Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare) attracting butterflies... 

And bees...

 

 Our grasslands are parched but the wildflowers persist.