Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) have long been late summer favourites in English gardens, and this fine display in a Mutton Lane garden shows just why they are so popular. They do very well in the right conditions, but although they are often sold as perennials, they are more strictly biennial, and in my experience seldom make it into their second year, although they do self-seed.
Two fine specimens of "Chater's double".
Again, brightly coloured vetch caught my eye ...
... setting off this young ash tree on the side of the road. The tree is probably Fraxinus excelsior, the common English ash.
Knapweed in the foreground give depth to the vanishing perspective of this avenue of ash trees.
Continuing to ripen in the hot August sun, the wheat crop is near ready for harvesting.
