That time of year when the sun loves the north so much, even when it does deign to dip below the horizon it leaves twilight behind as a reminder. I was out before dawn on the solstice, and the river was already aglow with mist.

Midsummer Yare

And the flowers – they drink in the light. But they are more particular than one might expect. Goatsbeard, or jack-goes-to-bed-at-noon, shuts itself up after astronomical midday.

Goatsbeard 23 06 13

Southern marsh-orchids time themselves for seasons, rather than hours, and are fairly judged the jewels in the marshes’ carpet.

Southern marsh orchids

And here’s wild borage, a new species for me. I haven’t known it long enough to learn its moods.

Wild borage

Norfolk may be most famous for its feathered wild things, but there are plenty of stars growing quietly around our feet.

13 responses to “Midsummer Splashes”

  1. Beautiful words and photos as always, love the name Jack-goes-to-bed-at-noon! Never heard of that 😄

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    1. Strangely, someone from Northumberland told me a few days ago that up there it’s known as ‘Jack-gets-up-at-noon’!

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  2. How true! Lovely pictures, especially that first one, and those names! “Jack-goes-to-bed-at-noon” must be very old.

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    1. That got me wondering. The use of ‘Jack’ as a general word for a man is centuries old, which certainly suggests the plant nickname is too. I wonder who first thought it up. Probably someone who spent a good deal of time in wild meadows, perhaps as a farm labourer.

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    1. Thank you Belinda! 🙂

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  3. Lovely photos, Adele. Summer is such a joyous time if year!

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    1. We’ve had a better balance of rain and sun this year and the flowers are doing very well 🙂

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  4. What wonderful photos, Adele. I especially love the mist on the water.

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    1. It was worth going outside at 4:20am for!

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      1. Early morning is often the best time of the day.

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  5. What a beautiful morning walk!

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    1. Thank you, it’s lovely outside that early in the morning and lots of birds singing everywhere.

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