Astrantia major

Monochrome seems to emphasize the veins in the petals of astrantia major (I think the variety may be claret), and to bring out the papery appearance of the flowers. They're just starting to flower properly now, and have been glad of the recent rain. Usually, at the first hint of drought, they protest strongly, drooping their stems and leaves, and demanding to be first in the queue for watering, a habit they share with Veronicastrum. With a bit of luck, the soaking they got last week will tide them over until the next rain, which looks as if it may a little way off.