Walk To The Abandoned Farm

Something went wrong, says the empty housein the weed-choked yard. Stones in the fieldssay he was not a farmer; the still-sealed jarsin the cellar say she left in a nervous haste. Abandoned Farmhouse by Ted Kooser born: 25th April 1939 - American poet

Yesterday, my walking friend and I went for a walk across the old airfield. As we walked our trousers and boots became soaked after the rain during the night left the long grass and plants wet, but by the time we returned home the growing heat of the day soon dried them out. The walk took 154 mins, and we travelled over 4 miles (6.4 kilometres). Here’s some of the more interesting plants and insects I took photos of while out walking.

Common Centaury and Creeping Bent Grass.

Common Centaury: this pretty pink star-like flower that only opens up on sunny day usually grows on poor soil, in dry grass lands and edges of woods. The plant gets its name from the centaur, Chiron of Greek mythology who it was said cured himself of a mortal wound using it. Centaury has been used as far back as Saxon time to treat snakebites and fever. In folk medicine it was used as a tonic to aid digestion.

Aaron’s Rod or Great Mullein

Aaron’s Rod: This plant gets it name because of its tall, straight flower spikes that gives it a staff-like appearance. A story in the Old Testament, in Numbers 17:3 And thou shalt write Aaron’s name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers. Most parts of this plant are poisonous but the flowers were dried and were used to relieved coughs and chills as well as yielding a yellow hair dye.

Musk Mallow

Musk Mallow: A country saying says that this plant only grows near a happy home. The flowers of this plant would strewn in front of houses during May Day Festival. This festival dates back to Roman times when they honoured Flora, their goddess of vegetation and flowers. In Britain on the May Day (1st May) young people would go out into the countryside and gather flowers and greenery to decorate maypoles and cottages in their villages. This plant was used as a healer of sore and inflamed skin.

Lesser Knapweed

Lesser knapweed or Hardheads: the word ‘Knap’ means ‘Knob’. This plant played a role in love divination, where it foretold of a lover’s return. A lover would pluck off a flowerhead and place it inside their clothing. if after an hour more of florets have opened, then their hearts desire would return to them..

Here’s a slideshow of all the photographs I took on our walk. I hope you enjoy seeing them.