WILD GLADIOLI -- A RARE GLIMPSE

It's difficult to believe that these delicate flowers are the original of the flamboyant
favourite of florists and funeral directors, but they are. Last year there was but a single flower on this bank; this year there are many. They grow amongst the wild oats, harebells and white campion.

The word, gladiolus, is from the Latin, gladius (sword) and the plant is sometimes called "the sword lily." They are a member of the iris family.

It was a scramble down a steep bank to get this shot. I tried assorted enhancements but as yet, this is not for me. The best photograph of the day was of artichokes but I was afraid the wind and rain might beat down the gladioli whereas the artichokes are tough as old boots and can wait.

Oh, well, here's one view of the artichoke: Garden artichoke