introduction
floristic catalogue
faunistic catalogue
contact
index
gallery 1: 2006-2012
gallery 2: 2012-
map
>> 2008 Aug 11
<< 2008 Jun 29

                         a   S T A M M E R  project              

2008 July 5 -15

How different is the aspect of the terrain compared with the situation one year ago. The vegetation is not only much greener but many species start to flower several weeks later. Species that were dominating last year (Daucus carota, Melilotus officinales, Senecia jacobea) are now much less abundant whereas Hypericum perforatum, Verbascum blattaria, Agrimonia eupatoria  and Vicia peregrina are considerably  more abundant. The barley in the neighbouring cereal fields hasn't been harvested yet. Weather conditions will be mainly responsible for these oscillations. There is still falling quite some rain with every 10 days or so a welcome thunderstorm.

Thunderstorm over the Pyrenees.
Looking north.
12 July, 15:33

Central higher terrace.
Looking south-east.
12 July 10:26

___________

The ponds are still half full with rainwater. Sometimes the submerged pump is activated to transport water from the lower, backing pond up to the first pond.

Lower pond.
The Common fig (Ficus carica) on the left is doing very well and producing a lot of figs.
12 July 10:06

______________

The presence of Wavyleaf mullein (Verbascum sinuatum) has been quite constant over two years but they flower much more conspicuously these days. Many Mullein species seem to open their flowers with more enthusiasm on wet, cloudy days.

Reflexed Stonecrop (Sedum reflexum) here in the middle on the image on the right, was planted last spring and flowers abundantly on several sites.
The blue Delphinium halteratum is another plant that is much more present than one year ago, while the opposite is true for the Wild carrot on the right.

Verbascum sinuatum with Eryngium campestre on the background.
Looking north-east.
12 July 9:31

______________

The experiments with the rammed earth technique continue to be promising. The first 'bricks' that were rammed on 26 June still look great, without cracks and haven't shrunken noticeable.
On 6 July I rammed some bricks with soil taken from two different sites on the terrain. The photograph was taken after one week drying in the sun. The difference in colour is striking while the mechanical characteristics seem to be the same. Only water (1:25) was added to the soil.

______________

Quite a surprise was the detection of Trifolium fragiferum on the lowest western terrace that was recently mown . There are about four tufts growing among some tussocks of Dactylis glomerata. The leaves are very similar to White clover (Trifolium repens) but the flowers and especially the fruit are very characteristic. It is surprising because this plant prefers wet soils that may even be flooded sometimes. It could be a case of a subspecies adapted to drier soil conditions.

At a distance of only one metre I detected one specimen of another new species: Shrubby plantain (Plantago sempervirens). As the name indicates it is a small shrub with lignified stems. In contrast with the anterior species, this one is typically Mediterranean and prefers dry soils.

Trifolium fragiferum on the lower western terrace.
14 July 9:42
 

Inflorescence of Trifolium fragiferum.
14 July 9:43

______________

The Common teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) is growing frequently in the region but this is the first time on the terrain. Perhaps the result of my sowing last year.
Of similar architectural beauty are these other two species, both generally considered 'weeds'.

Dipsacus fullonum on the lower, central terrace.
Looking north.
5 July 8:40

Leave of Common
sowthistle
(Sonchus oleraceus).
6 July 9:14

______________

I have finished the distribution maps of all existing species on the terrain. Quite a job that won't probably repeated every year but an interval of 4 or 5 years would give an interesting illustration of the changes in the vegetation over time. Have a look at the floristic catalogue, clicking on the menu on the left.

introduction
floristic catalogue
faunistic catalogue
contact
index
gallery 1: 2006-2012
gallery 2: 2012-
map
>> 2008 Aug 11
<< 2008 Jun 29