51. Crocosmia

As July draws to an end the crocosmia is in flower on either side of the bog-wood throne. Perhaps there is some irony in this vibrant African flower being one of the annual heralds of the Celtic festival of Lughnasa - the start of the harvest season at the beginning of August.

I am struck by the different time-scales of the scene. The limestone rock was formed 350 million years ago; the bog oak and bog yew of the throne were living trees 5,000 years ago, and the crocosmia will flower for just 2-3 weeks.

Its full name is Crocosmia 'Lucifer', but there is nothing devilish about this bright, hot red that seems to say 'Notice me and enjoy me now, the year is turning, I will be gone again soon'.