Another lovely warm & sunny late spring day. As spring advances into summer there is noticeably less bird song now but I did hear a cuckoo calling near this newly planted vineyard on the Boughton/Chart Sutton border. Vineyards have existed in Kent since at least Roman times & in recent years their numbers have grown as global warming leads to more ideal growing conditions. Sites on the south facing slopes of the North Downs & Greensand Ridge with their calcareous soils are much sought after because they are particularly suited to the cultivation of the Pinot Noir & Chardonnay grapes used in the production of sparkling white wines of the Champagne variety.
Herb Robert (geranium robertianum) with its pretty pink flowers & red tinged leaves growing by the roadside. Also known as “death come quickly” because it was said that if brought into the house a death would soon follow.
Red valerian (centranthus ruber) growing on an old wall. Introduced from Europe in the 17th century it is widespread in southern England & usually grows in quite dry situations. The flowers may be red, pink or white. It tends to be rather invasive but is easily controlled & provides a valuable nectar source for many insects. Hummingbird hawk moths find it particularly attractive & sometimes lay their eggs on it.
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