The front field’s imperfect edges host dozens of species and varieties of wild flower and grass.
In July, there are shades of blue and purple, orange and yellow visible along the length and fringe of the field and – at a glance – these flowers seem but insignificant dots of colour on small and unremarkable plants. Mere hangers-on.
However, closer inspection can reveal the most extraordinary details in these plants. Dainty, fantastic, fascinating detail, such as with this pinky-purple field scabious – a pom-pom flowerhead of breathtaking construction.
Sometimes known as ‘pin-cushions’, these beautiful and intricate flowers bob atop a single reedy stem of green in a range of shades of pale pink to lilac and powder blue.
Resembling a paper decoration or a designer ribbon, each flower is made up of dozens of separate parts, some petal- some pin-shaped, all displayed in dazzling 3-D.
Also called ‘scabiosa’ (a horrible-sounding name that seems more Harry Potter than potting shed), this farm favourite flowers from early July to late September and it is much loved by bees and butterflies.
A single flower head can launch up to 2000 seeds during the summer, which helps to ensure its reappearance in the front field year after year.
SOURCES:
http://www.flowers.org.uk/flowers/flowers-names/q-t/scabious/
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