Wild Flower Meadow 2

The Wild Flower Meadow at High Beeches is looking beautiful.  A carpet of Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy) Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup),  Rhinanthus minor agg.  (Yellow Rattle), Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Common Spotted-orchid), Veronica chamaedrys (Germander Speedwell) and Listera ovata (Common Twayblade to name a few.

The Wildflower Meadow is one of the best in the South East of England.  It is completely natural, has not been ploughed in living memory and has had nothing added to it.  It is a very rare example of a hay meadow, which many people are attempting to recreate.

On Sunday 17th June a botanist from Plantlife will be at High Beeches to take guided walks.

Shadows on the Meadow 1

Following the hot weather, the finest acid wildflower meadow in the South East is just coming into flower at High Beeches.

The evening sun cast shadows.

Follow this blog to see the meadow change over the next few weeks.

A Beautiful Tree



Fagus sylvatica heterophylla Aspenifolia

This has to be one of the most beautiful trees in the UK. Planted by Col Giles Loder in the early part of the 20th century, a survivor of the storm of 1987.  Also known as 'Fern leaved Beech' or 'Cut leaved Beech' it is one of the most effective of large ornamental trees.   At this time of year its young foliage glows in the sunlight.  It is one of many rare trees that make up the collection at High Beeches.

Bluebell Time



Blue Camassias, Prunus serrula and bluebells

Prunus serrula is mainly grown for its beautiful polished red-brown bark.  It was introduced to this

country by E.H Wilson from Western China in 1908.  Camassias (  Quamash or Wild Hyacinths)

 are perennials native to the Western United States.

Rhododendron campylocarpum and bluebells

The glades at High Beeches are thickly carpeted with  bluebells contrasting beautifully with yellow Rhododenrons and primroses.

The garden is open from 11 am on Bank Holiday Monday.

Birds of Prey at High Beeches

Colin of Breck Falconry Breck Falconry brought four of his birds to High Beeches for a display on the wild flower meadow and Hawk walks in the garden.

Beaumont, a Harris Hawk, enjoys his walks in the garden and Basil. a Peregrine Falcon gives a stunning display of speed.

Colin will back for a further display on Saturday 9th June.

Falconry

A first for High Beeches

on Saturday 21st April Colin Boorman is bringing his birds of prey for a display on the meadow.

This is a chance to see these beautiful birds in action and for £5.00 per person Colin will take Hawk walks around the garden (to be booked in advance).

www.breckfalconry.com

I found the first cowslip in the wildflower meadow today.  The Green winged orchid, Anacamptis morio will be flowering soon.

The garden is full of primroses, violets, anemones, and other wildflowers.  The bluebells are also coming into flower.

Magnolia sargentiana robusta