Fields of borage

Walking by Offa's Dyke near Monmouth we came upon several lavender coloured fields. We knew they weren't lavender having become familiar with the lavender fields of Norfolk. Closer inspection revealed that it was the herb borage. We have seen this plant grown on farms once before, but not on this scale. Borage is grown for its seed oil which has a number of pharmaceutical uses including being the richest source of Omega 6 and for its culinary properties. This many flowering plants attracts high numbers of bees and we saw plenty of hives along the hedge sides of the fields - a further source of revenue for the growers of borage.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Sony DSC-RX100

Purple sage

Sometimes it's hard to put into words why you like a plant: with some however, it's quite easy. I like purple sage for its individual green and purple colours, for the way these work together, and for the shape and, more especially the texture of its leaves. I particularly liked this display at Berrington Hall, Herefordshire, for the healthy, lush growth, something we have never quite achieved with the plant in our garden.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Sony DSC-RX100