Ringlet

When I walked down to the poppyfield a few days ago, I noticed the occasional flash of black butterfly. They weren't still enough to capture even the slightest shot, but when I was on the Pipe Hill Heathland Bridlepath again today, one did settle just for a moment. They are beautiful - and these are the first of 2013 for me.

We've had a weekend of photographers - including some blippers - at the stunning poppyfield by the roundabout. As the poppies are taking over the rapeseed field, it's getting more and more dramatic. And impossible to photograph.

I keep wondering what the farmer is going to do. When he harvests the rapeseed, he will have more poppies than the yellow stuff. Does that mean that the resulting oil will have a special potency.... a sort of heroin oil ?

I've been asked if the farmer deliberately planted the poppies. I can't imagine that he did. Last year, there were a few poppies, but this year they have been so numerous and so vibrant, they have become this local landmark.

Of course, while I was there, I couldn't resist a few more shots.
more poppy field
more poppies


And here's the rose I bought on Friday
from David Austin Roses
I haven't planted it out yet. I'm still trying to think of the best place to put it. But the flowers are wonderful even in the tub