Plants Country diary Country diary: a colourful and surprising member of the lily family Wick Wood, New Forest: Graham Long’s last regular country diary sees him introduce a friend to butcher’s broom, a plant easily missed Wick Wood, New Forest. Photograph: Graham LongWe set out for Wick Wood under a bright blue sky, in a clear atmosphere that makes it great to be out and about. We stop where there are several clumps of butcher’s broom. Each female flower develops into a cherry-sized scarlet berry, which is why this surprising member of the lily family is sometimes known as knee holly. This is my last regular country diary, though I hope to continue contributing occasional ones.

Source: The Guardian February 17, 2018 05:26 UTC