Images Dated 5th December 2010

Bee Orchid, Ophrys apifera

Bee Orchid, Ophrys apifera - close up of flowerhead showing hanging pollinia, Monkton Chalkpit Nature Reserve, Kent
flower shape and colour thought to mimic shape and colour of the solitary bee to attract this pollinator but mostly
self pollinating in UK, perennial, favours dry grassland, usually on chalky soils, Pollenia held above flower with packets of pollen, drop down to pollinate stigma of own flower

Echinacea, Echinacea augustifolia

Echinacea, Echinacea augustifolia close-up of flower head medicinal herb, petals, useful for late colour in the flower border drought-tolerant perennial plants growing to 1 or 2 m in height, found growing on the prairies where it was used by the native north americans, boosts immune system and helps to fight colds. Colourful, pink flowers in a field

Queen Victoria and her servant John Brown in Scotland

Queen Victoria with her favourite servant, John Brown, at Balmoral in Scotland. An illustration from "Home Words for Heart & Hearth" ed. Rev. Charles Bullock, publ. 1884 by Home Words Publishing

© Linda Steward

19th Century Style, 471286539, Historical Clothing, Lei, Sporran, Tam Oshanter