Sloughing

Another gorgeous day. The air was fresh but when sheltered it was warm and the sun shone throughout the day.

Lots of weeding done and some baskets potted up. I had noticed the other day that the snake’s head fritillary I had planted a couple of years ago had returned and expanded. I love the pattern on the bloom and had wanted to capture it.

Unfortunately I left it too late and the “skin” is past its best. Can a plant slough off its petals? I suspect not and in any event I gather the technical term for the process is called ecdysis and a new skin is underneath.

So we will have to wait until next year.