Under review

Wild flowers often find refuge in towns  where  they are free  from the agro-chemical sprays  that devastate  the fields of the countryside.   Hidden away by footpath, railway siding and canal bank are some beautiful survivors.

Some plants like the Winter Heliotrope were  grown in 19th century gardens before  falling from favour.  Now they are scarce and survive in odd corners like this one in Bishop's Stortford.   Dove's-foot Cranesbill seems to be able  to grow without soil on a new wall by the canal.  Dog and Sweet Violets can be  found in many places on paths and on walls.  Once so common in our cornfields, the stunning blue Cornflower is now rarely seen..