Wild flower WONDERS

From hazy carpets of bluebells to oxeye daisies winking in hedgerows, feast your eyes on some of our favourite wild flowers

- KATY HOLLAND

Bluebells

A true sign that spring is under way, delicate bluebells start to congregate in ancient woodlands, secluded valleys and verges, creating swathes of violet hues. According to ancient folklore, if you pick a bluebell, you’ll be led astray by fairies and left to wander, lost for eternity.

HOW TO IDENTIFY

Native bluebells have a distinctive droop, like the top of a shepherd’s crook, and a sweet perfume with creamy white pollen. Non-native Spanish bluebells are upright, paler in colour, with little scent.

Forget-me-nots

These pretty, azure-blue jewels are found on woodland edges and valleys, and often creep into verges, parks and gardens. It’s said the flower got its name from a German romantic tragedy in which a young man fell into a gushing river while walking with his lover. As he was swept away, he threw a bouquet of these flowers, shouting ‘Forget me not!’.

HOW TO IDENTIFY

Hairy stems with narrow oval leaves produce clusters of five-petalled blue flowers, with white or orange centres.

Early purple orchids