September, middle of autumn according to the Manks.  The flower season is coming to an end although there are still many flowers to be seen in the hedgerows.  One such hedgerow is along the Ballamodda, this should still be a picture with the large bushes of Fuschia – Jeiryn Yee (God’s tears).  The Manks name refers to the hanging closed flowers.  As children we used to make ballet dancers with the open flowers and also suck out the sweet nectar.  I think that the Fuschia would make a good national flower, but I will enter the Manks national flower debate by saying that the Cushag (Common ragwort) in my mind is also a wonderful National flower as it displays great traits for a nation;  it is a great coloniser, it will prosper almost anywhere, it looks pretty, difficult to get rid of and it is poisonous if handled or eaten.  Another idea I have regarding the Fuschia is to plant a bush, where practicable, around the TT course in memory of the riders who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, much better than wooden crosses and faded plastic flowers.

Another flower that should still be putting on a great show is Rosebay willowherb – Lus ny sheillee.  It a special flower for me as it is the first flower that I identified using my newly purchased flower book over thirty years ago.  I was spurred into buying the book after noticing unknown plants on the old railway line at Ballaugh.  One of the plants turned out to be Kidney vetch – Meir Voirrey this plant I feel is special as well.  I was very fortunate to have as my mentor Mr George Quayle and weekly I would visit him with small samples of plants that I had discovered and couldn’t find in my flower book.  George would always know what they were and I thought he was a ‘ God’, I wish there were young people out there that would plague me the same way!! Occasionally I am likened to him and that to me is the greatest of compliments.  I believe George’s book “Legends of a lifetime” is almost sold out, so if you see a copy, snap it up!

I noticed another interesting plant the other day and it may still be in flower, Redshank or Red leg – Glioonagh vooar.  This can be a problem weed for farmers.  On each leaf there is  often a large red spot, but it can vary as to how noticeable it is.  The story about the spot is that the plant was growing below the cross when Christ was crucified and a drop of blood fell onto the leaf and it has been there ever since.

The fruit season should be in full swing, I mentioned Blackberries last month but there are other goodies to be gleaned from the hedgerows.  Sloe – Airn,  the fruit of the Black thorn – Drine airn these make a wonderful drink when soaked in gin.  Elderberry – Berrish trammanagh and Rose hip – Bugogne drughaig.

John Dog.