Just a weed - Red Valerian. Originally from the Mediterranean, it's been found in the UK since the 1600s and is now naturalised across the county in cottage gardens, derelict sites and on walls and pavements. It prefers well-drained, poor, chalky or alkaline soils, and full sun, meaning it's pretty hardy. It flowers profusely from May to October and attracts bees, butterflies and moths.
I saw this one growing from a crack at the base of the rough stucco wall behind a small local factory. Just a weed - but I really like the shapes, colours and textures here. Maximalist minimalism.
I have never understood the entirely man-made distinction between weeds and other plants. Only because something may not immediately appear "useful" to humans doesn't mean it's useless - as you say, this "weed" is not only beautiful but also an important source of food for many pollinators - making it in turn useful to our species as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how a plant labeled as "just a weed" can completely steal the show, and that rough stucco backdrop really makes the colors and textures pop. Your description of "maximalist minimalism" is spot on for something so hardy thriving in a random factory wall crack while feeding local butterflies and bees. It just goes to show that some of the best beauty is found in the completely unexpected, neglected corners right around us.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely plant.
ReplyDeleteA great photo of that so-called weed!
ReplyDeleteGood capture, creating beauty in photography!
ReplyDelete