Coughton Court

One of my favourite National Trust properties is Coughton Court near Redditch. The beautiful walled garden is such a magnet for butterflies and the gardeners are always happy to talk about their work, and what butterflies they’ve seen.

They have splendid buddleias as well as marvellous roses etc, but this year, their buddleias just aren’t full !! The blooms are fine, but there weren’t any of the regular peacocks or Painted ladies. The only Red Admiral was lurking by a box hedge, and the one Small Tortoiseshell I saw was on a plant they had for sale.

My chosen blip was this rather understated Meadow Brown.

Sultry. Duck Race Day so lots of children.

I had a delicious ice cream in the sun and headed home in time for today’s Tour.

And, btw, I had a Painted Lady visit my buddleia yesterday teatime !!