Wildflowers abound. We have the policy of letting nature evolve with the minimum of management, apart from some planting of bulbs in earlier years.
Results of surveys will be published in due course but meanwhile here are some observations. Grasses, hedgerow and tree flowers are not included here yet.
There are good showings of snow drops followed soon by carpets of crocuses, also Sweet violets, and common Dog violets.
Gorse comes into bloom.
Daffodils are followed by bluebells though the latter are Spanish hybrids.
There is a good mix of wild flowers. Twenty years ago, the grass was kept cut very short, but since 2007 the mowing is managed to allow grass and wild flowers to bloom.
In the grassland now days there are the familiar Dandelions, Daisies and Buttercups, Red and White clover. White and Red deadnettle have a long flowering season. Small plants like Speedwell abound, also to be found are Common cat's ear and Lesser stitchwort, Groundsel and Shepherds purse.
Cow parsley is present in large amounts also Goosegrass. Ox-eye daisies do well, as do Herb robert and other wild Geraniums including Cut-leaved geranium and Dove's-foot cranesbill. Black horehound is very common. All have a long flowering season.
Where the grass is cut, Birdsfoot-trefoil does well in patches. Creeping cinquefoil also favours the sunny short grassland.
There are patches of Lady's bedstraw.
There is a scattering of Jack-go-to-bed-at noon in the grassland, also of Black Medick, Curled Dock, Common Sorrel. and Common vetch.
Hawkbit, Hawkweed, Cat's ear and Nipplewort are common according to the month.
Ribwort and Greater Plantains are very prevalent, with a long flowering season.
There are small clumps of stinging nettles.
May is noted for the wild rose in the hedges.
Wood avens 'takes over' in the round central bed. Green alkanet is very widespread in the grassland. Both of which we remove.
Common mallow is less common in recent years.
Field bindweed is widespread and has a long flowering season. Hedge bindweed is found around the perimeter in places.
Rosebay willowherb is sometimes found in the central round bed - when allowed!
Knapweed is very common also Annual mercury.
We have widespread clumps of Ragwort and its attendant cinnabar caterpillars.
Hemp agrimony has escaped from the central round bed.
Hoary and Garlic mustard are both fairly common.
The thistles make a late appearance; Sow thistle and several plants of Spear thistle.
Most flowering plants have finished but Ivy is late, and is a valuable source of nectar for any pollinators still on the wing.
Yarrow keeps flowering into winter.