The south is parched -particularly on chalk- but the wildflowers persist.

 The Globe Thistles and the Sea Hollies look like they might be related...

...but they belong to different genera: Echinops and Eryngium.

 Both are much visited by bees.

 

 The Jersey Tiger is no longer confined to the southernmost parts of England. It's range is extending northwards; I see quite regularly in London and Hertfordshire. The striped forewing is striking; the orange underwing is spectacular when it unfurls in flight.

 

 A mixed herbaceous border is manna for pollinators.

 

 A few months ago I planted three small pots of Fennel in the herb garden I made at the music school. Now they're rampant! Fennel will tough it out on poor, parched ground but here it grows in a rich loamy compost that's watered regularly. The difference is plain to see.

 

Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus). Prolific self-seeder in sunny spots at the music school.  

 

 I think this is a Green-veined White though it only has a tinge of green and they are usually found in damp habitats feeding on the wild Crucifers not Lavender.