Popping Pink

The Balsam was standing 2m high, solitary and lit up by a shaft of sunlight searching through the trees on the shaded side on the riverbank. You really couldn't miss it or not give it a second look as it was a hugh mass of pink flowers - a bit incongruous in a welter of nettles!

Originally from the Himalayas Impatiens glandulifera so called 'impatient' because the seed pods explode with a great flourish on touching, scattering over a 7 metre area - which Simon used to have fun popping as a kid! I was all for bringing a few seeds home the other day until a look of horror crossed his face - apparently it's invasiveness is renown - unbeknown only to me!!

The hat shaped flowers have given rise to the common names Policeman's Helmet, Bobby Tops and Gnomes Hatstand! I personally would described them as slipper-like and they hold a sticky sweet smelling nectar which bees will home in on, to the detriment of other plants. A bit of a liability by the sound of it!

Shot taken with trepidation today on new camera - surprise present from Simon last night (it wasn't even my birthday) and brilliant end to yesterday!! How lucky am I - for camera and hubby :)

Tonnes of thanks for the comments and stars yesterday on the hover!!