Flowers of The Dales 7

A nice bunch of Self Heal next to the road in Swaledale, another medicinal used by the apothecary in days gone by, I have used this on bruises and it definately works.

Famous dandelion meadows and brook at Redmire in Wensleydale, this has many suprises throughout the season and well worth a visit if your in the area.

The May, or Hawthorn in full bloom, this makes the very best honey if the weather stays above 70 degrees to keep the nectar flow going.

A Teesdale speciality the Hoary Plantain spike in full flower, seen in the old meadown at saur Bank along with Alpine Bistorts and other alpine specialists, these meadows are a must see in Mid to Late June.

Another Teesdale speciality is the Quaking Grass, known locally as Dithery Docks named for the way they dangle in the wind, national Gentian day is from 14th May onwards, much later is a slow spring.

One of our own Cheviot ewes and her twin lambs, they do very well on the natural herbage here, and the honey bees also like the flowers if they can get there before them.

The delicate petals of the Mountain Pansy here in upper Swaledale, growing together with them are Rock Rose and Tormental, another sellection of medicinals, the latter is great for curing the pain of toothache.

Nother Mountian Pansy this time in Upper Teesdale, where a huge colony can be found on the walk up from Low Force, after about a mile or so you climb a steep bank with a kissing gate at the top, look all around you and you will find them in multiples of colours some half and half and the true one is dark blue, seen here.

On the same walk can be seen the Shrubby Cinquefoil along the banks of the River Tees, this walk is highly recommended from the second week in June onwards, you will not be dissapointed.

The Comma, seen here in our allotment, when the nectar is flowing you can sit below the bushes and here the buzz of the bees it is quite strong but they will simply ignore you and get the goodies, I like watching them to see what pollen they are carrying.

NEXT PAGE

https://steemit.com/swaledale/@shedlife/flowers-of-the-dales-8