Hay time

The farmers around me have been cutting their meadows throughout the year, and storing the hay in their barns.

By mid-July it was time to make the first cut of my flower meadow, which was beginning to look tired.

The Spring flowers have seeded, but it always feels a shame to cut down the first summer flowers which are acting as a pollen and nectar source for insects - most obviously Lady's Bedstraw, Marjoram, Umbellifers and Knapweed.

And showing their faces for the first time - Betony and a species of Dianthus.

And after the cut, a bouquet for the most beautiful woman in the village.