The invasion

of the foxgloves.

Today is the first day there has been a chance to go for a walk at lunch time since I can't remember when. The sun was out for a wee while this afternoon so I took the opportunity.

I can't believe how green and overgrown the estate has got recently. The wet weather has put a halt on the regular maintenance work and the grass and the weeds have shot up out of control.

The foxgloves are taking over and have supplied some blipping opportunities for the next week. They are a mass of colour, purple, pink, and white.

The scientific name digitalis means "finger-like" and refers to the ease with which the flowers can be fitted over the fingertips.

The entire plant is toxic. Mortality is rare. Early symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, wild hallucinations, delirium, and severe headache. (sounds like my migraines!) This has all contributed to the foxglove also being known as Dead Man's Bells or Witches' Gloves.