The Stately Hollyhock.

Hollyhocks bring height and fascinating history to the garden. Prehistoric grave sites, Shoguns, Crusaders and colonists all valued these giants of the garden. Some possible origins of the name are, Holy Hoc or Holy Mallow, being members of the Mallow of Malvaceae family, also Crusaders used it as a salve for sore horses hocks. In modern day Japan they have a Hollyhock Festival in Kyoto and it is the symbol of one of Japan's soccer clubs and pictured on their shirts.  This lovely flower, I found in our gardens also the extra shot of some flower pots. So nice to enjoy them without having to do the gardening !  By this afternoon the rain arrived, so didn't go far again today.