It seems very appropriate that the first plant I see newly in flower this morning is Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum)as I cut my shin yesterday on a bicycle ride. This is a common garden escapee and is a cross between common comfrey and prickly comfrey. As well as it’s use to make a nutrient rich liquid, I read that comfrey was used to dress wounds, either by applying whole leaves or by making a poultice. Apparently it stops the bleeding, reduces the pain and promotes healing. Wonderful!

The meadow clearing is warm but dripping after last night’s storm and in a tangled bank, the purple flower spikes catch my eye over the mounds of hop and traveller’s joy leaves.

Like wings, the uppermost leaves appear poised in flight.