Hung out to dry

Here are the remains of Himalayan Balsam plants which have been diligently dug up by some local volunteers. They have been draped over the railings along the river to dry out and perish. Himalayan Balsam is pretty enough and bees love it. But it is a thuggish plant which is so invasive that it stifles and crowds out whatever was growing in the first place. It loves riverbanks, as seen here, but it has a shallow root system so it doesn't hold the bank together if there's flooding. All in all a pretty unpleasant visitor. Getting rid of it is a long term project.

A busy day starting with an early walk then coffee with the five and one year old girls' family. After that lovely interlude through to Glasgow for afternoon childminding with the wee grandson. Three lively grandchildren to enjoy - lucky (but tired) us.

Home for a walk round the river in beautiful sunshine and I have a feeling an early night is on the cards. I might be slow to pay attention to blip till tomorrow