In Bloom

The thrift clinging to cracks in the limestone blocks along the Ormsaigbeg shoreline are as confused about the seasons as some of the shrubs in our garden: several were in full bloom today. Also known as sea pink, Armeria maritima is described as flowering in early summer, between April and July.

It's probably quite incorrect to describe a lichen as being 'in bloom' but the startling yellows of this golden shield lichen, Xanthoria parietina, are as spectacular as any flower.

Nor, I suppose, can fungi be in bloom, but this one stood out in the short, sheep-cropped grass on the common grazings to the west of Ormsaigbeg. A similar specimen caused some interest a month ago - see blog here.