This little flower is growing in my garden. I sowed a cheap packet of mixed annuals and this was the only corn cockle to grow. I believe that once these grew wild in our corn fields, but the extensive use of herbicides put paid to them. They don't appear in all of my wild flower books, but as far as I can tell they are a native species. The flowers only seem to open in full sun, so several times I went out in the garden to photograph one, and none were open, but a sunny afternoon paid off. I cannot remember where I first saw one of these, but I instantly recognised it even though one hasn't grown in my garden for many years. The name has a real country feel and I would love to know its origin. I haven't done much research I must admit. I was pleased with the photograph which I took with the standard lens, hand held. As it was sunny I was able to have a fast shutter speed and small aperture which gave this lovely shallow depth of field making the flower really stand out against the background. I have been trying to record the flowers from my garden in water colour and want to try this, but I have a feeling I shall have to work quickly as I am sure it will close quickly if picked. I shall definitely be saving some seed for next year.
2 comments:
I clicked on this morning and in my head said: Wow! Corn cockle!!! I too have seen and had them years ago, you never forget them, they are sooooo distinctive. I have a memory that they only set (one?) big seed. I remember being surprised at the size and darkness of it. The seeds are available if you Google it. I was lucky enough to go on a Brownie's trip the summer with my charge. It was to Bristol zoo which always has wonderful gardens, and there was a whole rank of corn cockles this summer. Wonderful.
Thanks for the comments you left on my blog. I like your photographs - especially the tunnel of leaves - how beautiful. Yes, my favorite book is Joseph's Yard. I absolutely love the unique illustrations as well as the simple yet lovely story. My mother tracked down an old copy of it for me for Christmas several years ago. I treasure it.
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