Cow Parsley 'Bashing'

The mass of frothy white flowers in the orchard signals that the Cow Parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris, is once again in flower. The gardener's annual task of removing some of it, in an attempt to control it spreading, began yesterday and continued today, ('bashing' as they call it). Using forks they dig it out of the grass but the tap roots are long and deep in the soil, snapping off as it is lifted, leaving a small piece behind which will grow again.

Wildlife spotted in amongst the grass whilst forking out the Cow Parsley, a Damselfly, wings folded along its abdomen, gently resting.