Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) haș done well on the allotment after starting several from seed last year. Likes the dry not-rich soil, requires no watering or maintenance. Perennial, should be hardy and/or self-seed so become a permanent fixture.

 

  Teasels (Dipsacus fullonum) gone to seed are a striking silhouette from late summer into autumn. And a good food source for birds like Goldfinches who perch and peck at the seed heads. Right now Teasels are still in flower and rich in pollen and nectar...

 Borage (Borago officinalis) is buzzing with bees on the allotment. The flowers refill with nectar every few minutes so the well never runs dry.

 

 I grow Calamintha nepeta in an old sink in the front garden where it comes back year after year without any care or attention from me. A modest little plant with dainty flowers which nonetheless seems to punch above its weight where bees are concerned. Both bumblebees and honey bees are very keen on it.

 

 Nice weather for frogs. It rained heavily overnight in London; I was woken by the persistent pitter patter more than once. In the morning there were several monsoon-like deluges. I stepped out to survey the scene and this frog was sitting right by the front door. All in all this has been a very damp summer.

 

 Lots of ants swarming today. It put me in mind of the many anthills that dot the Pegsdon Hills and Knocking Hoe. In winter a covering of snow makes the landscape seem rather like the surface of the moon...

 

 I planted Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) in the garden for its spreading, sprawling quality. It weaves in and out of other plants- "Bouncing Bett" is an old nickname for it. 

 As I've noted before the word "wort" in the common name and "officinalis" in the Latin name indicates that a plant once had a real or imagined practical use. Soapwort is indeed a practical plant. The leaves contain saponins and lather up to make a gentle detergent. It was probably introduced to the UK in medieval times for that purpose by the wool and cloth trades.