One feature of our coasts in summer that we must nearly all be familiar with is the wonderful carpets of sea Thrift. During June and July it will be a major feature of our sea side environment with lovely carpets of pink flowers.
The complex flower heads are very popular with insects and the 6-spot Burnett moth will be just one of many insects to feast on its nectar.
In some areas the thrift forms large carpets of spongy green foliage and this is a great place for insects to build their nests.
I am old enough to remember the old 'thrupenny-bit'; a five sided coin of the pre-decimalisation days which featured thrift on the back. I have no idea where this plant gets its thrifty name or why it was on that coin. If anyone does know I would be really pleased to find out.
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