White Bluebells

This is the only patch of the Hybrid Bluebell Hyacinthoides X Massartiana I have seen locally, in Eltham`s Castle Wood.

Auricularia auricula-judae

Growing on a Laburnum stick that props my shed door closed, prime examples of the `Jew`s ear` fungus. Nicely classed among the gelatinous Tremellini family, the ears tremble at the slightest breeze or vibration. Wikipedia tells us the biblical derivation of its name; I believe Jelly or Ear fungus are better as descriptive names.

Speckled Wood butterfly

This butterfly flew in through the front window and rested on some paper, before finding his way to the Buddleia in the back yard. Follow the link above to the best site on English butterflies.

Bumblebees

Climate change threatens many creatures crucial to our ecosystem. Any garden should be stocked with insectaries that encourage pollinators such as bumblebees. Latest research shows that our native Bombus Terrestris can navigate up to 8 miles, rather than the 3 miles previously thought to be its maximum. Here a bumblebee feeds avidly on Alkanet flowers.

Greenwich Peninsula river path

Next to the Millennium dome, imaginative planting of Primitive wheat and poppies, natural companions in this strange location. The heatwave has caused the wheat to grow tall but dessicated at the heads. The whole area has been improved by an ecological approach, and the crowning glory of the otherwise pointless dome is a nest of Peregrine Falcons atop one of the supporting columns.

A visiting grasshopper

This Long-horned grasshopper (minus a right back leg) graced us with a home visit today. I returned him to the garden; after a drink and a face wash he hid in the shade under a leaf.

Water Plantain?

Even in this heatwave, plants like this (Water Plantain?) can still find the damp cool spots, here in the shade next to my shed.