Skunk Cabbage

... is the name of this strange plant. I think it has its origins in the US but is often used in large scale boggy ornamental gardens in this country - it grows in profusion in Chatsworth and here it is in a park in Sheffield. The flower spikes give of a pungent smell to attract pollinators - hence the name.
Didn't have much time for photography as I was checking a walk route with the leader in readiness for next week, and after we'd finished the weather turned wet and windy. There were strong winds last night but I hadn't realised how bad until we saw the damage done in the wooded valley we were walking in where many trees had been damaged, and a few, including a mature beech tree, had been uprooted. I suspect the dry soil from recent months was as much a contributory factor as the winds.
Looking at today's date as I post this entry, it is exactly 3 months since I had my operation. I suppose I've made pretty good progress, but I wish I was completely back to full strength. I suppose that will take a little longer yet.