Name also Clammy campion (usa), Red german catchfly
Sticky catchfly is a plant that originally grew on rocky areas, dry hills, and sandy meadows. It has adapted to human environments, spreading to pastures and sunny roadsides. The plant can survive long droughts thanks to its deep taproot. Its distinctive reddish-brown sticky substance, which covers the upper stem, helps deter predators like ants. You can often see insects stuck to the stem. When picked, the sticky tar gets on your hands. Sometimes, a pink-flowered version can be found that doesn’t secrete any liquid. Its smaller relative, alpine catchfly (V. alpina), secretes very little or no tar at all.
At the start of summer, the red flowers of sticky catchfly attract queen bees, which are busy creating new colonies and pollinating. When the queen is in the hive caring for her young, the smaller worker bees are less effective at pollination. The flowers also draw in various insects, like butterflies, flower flies, and small beetles. Additionally, pollinators can spread diseases, such as spores from parasitic ustilaginales fungi, and even the sticky substance on the stem doesn’t protect catchfly from these harmful pests.
The mid-summer sun beat down warmly over the small dirt roads as Leo and Olivia ran toward the edge of the woods, their excitement palpable in the golden rays of the sun. They were neighbors who shared the same summer place, but only for the short, intense duration of the summer holidays, which made their fleeting time together all the more precious.
Once autumn arrived and school started, daily routines and different hobbies would pull them into their own separate worlds, like two stars drifting apart in the vast sky. That was why every warm June day had to be treasured, for it held the promise of adventure and the magic of unbreakable bonds. They ventured along a narrow, sunlit path in a lush forest, their laughter echoing through the trees as they discovered the delights of summer friendship—moments filled with innocent secrets, whispered dreams, and shared aspirations. The sounds of the people quickly faded into the background, replaced by the rustling of pines and nature’s own calming silence, a serene orchestra that accompanied their journey.
Olivia walked ahead, her long hair swaying like golden waves, carrying her old fabric-clothed doll, whose sewn smile seemed almost to share in their joy. In her imagination, the ordinary forest transformed instantly into an uncharted jungle where they were brave explorers searching for lost temples and hidden treasures, her adventurous spirit breathing life into the woods around them.
Leo, on the other hand, was in no hurry, delighting in the small wonders that nature offered. He moved more slowly, his eyes fixed firmly on the ground, utterly captivated by the artistry of the forest floor. He was kneeling in curiosity, marveling at the tiny wonders of the woodland floor, each leaf and pebble telling its own story. Leo pointed his finger at the bright green moss growing on the side of a fallen birch trunk and a shiny sugar ant climbing across it, diligently carrying crumbs to its hidden home. To him, the real world and its tiny details were just as big an adventure as Olivia’s elaborate stories.
“If we come back tomorrow,” Leo said, his eyes still scanning the brush, “we need to bring a jar. A big glass one. I saw a beetle back there that looked like it was made of green metal.”
Olivia turned around, cradling her doll securely against her shoulder. “A jar? No way, Leo. Explorers don’t lock things in glass. We need to build a proper base camp first. Did you see that massive oak tree near the bend? The roots make a perfect secret cave.”
“Caves are damp,” Leo countered, though a grin tugged at his mouth. “And what if it rains tomorrow?”
“Then the leaves will block it! Plus, my doll needs a safe place to stay while we hunt for the lost temple ruins,” she insisted, gesturing toward the thicker part of the woods ahead. “We can gather those large pine branches to make a roof.”
Leo thought about it for a second, looking back down at the mossy ground. “Okay, fine. We build the camp first. But only if we can make a tiny moss bed inside it for the beetles to visit.”
The vibrant green foliage enveloped them, with tall trees standing like guardians and cheerful shrubs dancing in the gentle breeze, as warm sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting playful shadows around us, like fleeting moments captured in time. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, enhancing their joyful atmosphere, as butterflies flitted by, their delicate wings a kaleidoscope of colors. In that peaceful oasis, unforgettable memories were made, capturing a beautiful moment of exploration and wonder that forever bound their hearts in innocent joy. As the evening began to cool and it was time to head home for dinner, they both knew without words that this day would leave a mark lasting through the coming winter, all the way until the next summer—a beautiful reminder of fun and companionship.
Summer flowers that keep up showing every year, this is so pretty and useful too. Water avens has these big, drooping reddish-brown flowers that really catch your eye and make it easy to recognize. It’s got a bunch of local Finnish names, showing how long it’s been part of Finnish life. If you’ve ever noticed honey bees and bumblebees buzzing around it, that’s where its name comes from! Interestingly, wasps also come by, but they don’t help with pollination.
The image features a close-up view of a delicate yellow water Avens bud, partially open, revealing intricate details of its central green and yellow reproductive parts. The flower and its hairy stems are sharply focused, while the background is a soft, blurred bokeh of greens and yellows, the natural outdoor setting with sunlight filtering through foliage. Other buds and leaves are visible but out of focus, adding depth and texture to the composition.
If you are looking at these on a computer, click the gallery to have a better look.
This plant is native to almost all of Finland, except for the fell Lapland areas, and you’ll mostly find it in the southern parts of the country, from the Bay of Bothnia all the way south. In the wild, water avens thrives in all sorts of damp and rich spots like hedgerows by the shore, streambanks, springs, and particularly in the lush swamps of the north. It’s also quite happy in human-made areas, often seen thriving along the sides of ditches. One fun fact is that its achenes have these hooked tips and stiff hairs that let them latch onto people and animals, helping it spread even more!
Every year, I notice the same things in my yard: how different plants pop up, showcasing vibrant colors and unique textures. I end up taking photos, even though I have so many already in my archive. It’s a delightful ritual, as I love capturing the changing seasons and the various stages of growth; each snapshot reflects nature’s resilience and beauty. But that’s how it usually works: every bloom is a fleeting moment that deserves to be immortalized. Now, I have edited some of my old images to highlight the intricate details that my eyes may have overlooked previously, breathing new life into them and allowing me to appreciate the wild plants in my yard in a fresh light.
The picture shows a cool shoot of Wood Horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum), which people in Finland call metsäkorte.
A close-up of a horsetail plant featuring its segmented, cone-like spore-producing structure against a soft green background.
This plant is like a “living fossil” since it spreads by spores rather than seeds. You can spot Wood Horsetail by a few notable features: Branching: It has delicate green branches that form a whorl, unlike the upright Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense). Cone (Strobilus): At the top, there’s a structure resembling a pinecone, which holds the spore sacs. Growth Habit: It starts off tan and without leaves, but the shoots eventually turn green and sprout feathery branches. Sheaths: The stem is adorned with reddish-brown leaf sheaths that are fused into lobes. You’ll often find Wood Horsetail in moist areas such as peaty soils, damp woods, and marshes.
A close-up of a horsetail plants
A close-up of horsetail plant with a single water droplet resting on its leaves against a blurred natural background.
I have no last words for this post, other than have a great weekend, and I truly hope it is a sunny one. Embrace the little things constantly changing weather and the surprises it brings.
Here are my photos for Last on the Card for May 2026 hosted by Bushboys World
I took this a close-up of a spruce tree branch with fresh, light green new growth at the tips of the needles with my Sony 7III . I wanted the focus to be sharp on the vibrant, young shoots, while the background is blurred with various shades of green and soft light bokeh, creating a dreamy and tranquil atmosphere. The composition highlights the contrast between the fresh spring growth and the more mature, darker green needles, evoking a sense of renewal and natural beauty. The mood is peaceful and refreshing, typical of a serene forest scene in springtime. I shoot in RAW so slight editing has been done.
I snapped a quick photo of this decorative bike that totally represents the Netherlands—there are bikes everywhere there! It was taken at my friend’s place. The shot features a close-up of a cute blue miniature bicycle resting on a wooden surface. It has some really neat details like a saddle, handlebars, pedals, and wheels with silver spokes, plus there’s a tiny wooden crate on it filled with little frames. Behind the bike, there’s a vibrant green leafy plant in a white pot that adds a nice natural vibe. In the background, you can see two ceramic vases—one’s taller and gradient blue, while the other is shorter with a rustic look—next to part of a framed painting with a fancy gold ornate border, which really gives the whole space a cozy and artistic feel. As you can maybe guess, it is taken with my IPhone 17 Pro. I always edit my photos, so here are both, original and edited.
For John’s Cellpic Sunday. I Post photos from few days back, I went to pick up my husband from the train so I took the opportunity to take few photos. I know I shouldn’t take photos while I drive, but the roads were empty of traffic
Dark clouds at 11PMThe train arrived on time The streets are empty
For John’s Cellpic Sunday, I am sharing an inspiring collection of photos showcasing men over 60 in action, embodying the spirit and enthusiasm that often defies age. Their unwavering passion and dedication, demonstrating that soccer is not just a game for the young. These players, full of energy 😊 remind us that the love for the sport can flourish at any stage of life. I am looking how number 13 does in the field.
Sunlight peeks through tall trees in a lush, green park under a clear blue sky in a nice May evening.
Well it is typical that men at this age get the field later in the evening, this was around 9 PM
Cloudy skies, occasionally bit of rain, that is what we have had in the weather front in the past few days with couple hours off sunshine. So here are shots from the road leading to our summer place taken yesterday afternoon. Linking up with Skywatch Friday ~ 22/5/2026, I haven’t participated in skywatch for years, at one time I was a frequent visitor.
A vast field of bright yellow dandelions stretches under a cloudy sky, bordered by lush green trees.A vibrant field of dandelions stretches alongside a winding gravel road under a cloudy sky, bordered by lush green trees.
I have taken so many photos with my phone lately and now I am excited to share the latest ones. I took these of our yard yesterday night, and I was really pleased with how they turned out. These solar-powered lights were beautifully illuminating the scene, casting a warm glow over the garden. The stars were particularly bright that evening; they even managed to make an appearance in these shots, twinkling against the dark sky.
Night time at our summer place shot with Iphone 17Pro
I was so pleased to capture such moment, as the night air was crispy as the night was cooling down after an really warm spring day. Today we are back to normal spring temperatures. John’s Cellpic Sunday inspired me to take share the beauty that unfolds right in our backyard during the night.
For this week, the photo I chose does not show the whole window, only a small detail of dried flowers between the old window panes. Monday Window: 6 April 2026
A small detail of dried flowers between the old window panes.
This were taken with my mobile from the car while in Helsinki last weekend for I edited them into monochrome on my mobile with LightRoom Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Helsinki – Kluuvi in March 2026Eteläsatama – view to construction of new Museum and in the back the Helsinki Cathedral
View to Helsinki Railway station and The Finnish National Theatre from Vilhonkatu and on the side Casino Helsinki
Actually these are Sunday windows as I took them yesterday, when going to have lunch in Helsinki. The restaurant windows were rather nice, don’t you think. As soon as you walk in, the charming interior grabs your attention— I researched that; it was designed by Finnish artist Emil Ruokolainen , and you can’t miss the beautifully polished mirror on the back wall. The stunning stained-glass windows, made by artist Fritz Hilbert, add to the unique vibe. What’s really special is that these lovely details have mostly stayed the same over the years, offering guests a delightful trip back in time.
Kolme Kruunua (Three Crowns) is one of those must-visit spots in Helsinki, a traditional neighborhood restaurant with an incredible history that goes back to 1952. That was the year when Irja Örn and her husband decided to turn their little café, Liisan Baari, into a full-service restaurant, and that’s how Kolme Kruunua was born. Fast forward to today, and it’s become a beloved dining destination for both locals and tourists.
A stunning stained-glass window featuring floral designs, enhancing the charming interior of Kolme Kruunua restaurant in Helsinki.
Stunning stained-glass window and charming interior takes you back to 1950’s
The bar area with elegant wooden design and a cozy ambiance.
Stained-glass windows adorned with colorful floral designs at Kolme Kruunua restaurant in Helsinki, complemented by a bicycle parked outside to showcase the neighborhood restaurant
I took these yesterday as I watched the snow melt on the hill behind my backyard. I was able to sit outside as our patio is such that the house safeguards us from the wind. Am I happy to see the green emerging- the moss is so bright.
A forest scene featuring tall trees with bare branches and vibrant green foliage. The ground is covered with patches of snow and moss, highlighting the transition between seasons.
A serene forest scene featuring tall pine trees and dense greenery, with underbrush and sunlight filtering through the foliage.
A view of trees with vibrant greenery, the essence of spring.
Whispers of a tranquil lake, Underneath azure skies, shadows dance, Nature’s gentle reflection.
A semi-frozen lake beneath the bright blue sky of March, showcasing the reflections and shadows cast by trees.
The spring equinox, occurring on March 20th, 2026, marks the start of astronomical spring and is celebrated by various cultures. On this day, daytime and nighttime are nearly equal, symbolizing renewal and rebirth.
I eagerly await the arrival of spring, when the sun shines directly on the equator, and I look forward to the blossoming flowers, warmer temperatures, and the chance to enjoy nature as it revives from the cold of winter. Temperature is +9C today in my area.
A March landscape with trees reflecting in a calm lake, hinting at the transition between winter and spring.
A solitary stick standing upright in calm water, reflecting the surrounding ripples and light.
A serene lake under swirling clouds, Dramatic shades of gray and white, Sky ever-shifting in reflection, Where light and shadow play in hues, With ripples stirred by a gentle breeze, Moody tones as the sun blends hues.
The view unfolds beneath a tapestry of dramatic clouds, their deep grays and striking whites mirroring the ever-changing sky above. A gentle breeze ripples the surface, causing the clouds’ reflections to dance and shift
Close-up of a pussy willow with dew droplets on its surface, set against a blurred natural background. First sign of spring can be found in sunny places
A night sky featuring a glowing moon partially obscured by clouds, framed by tree silhouettes and the edge of a roof. It isn’t it fun when you can take photos when laying in bed, watching the clouds roamed around the moon. Shot with iPhone 17PRO
View from my bed of the moon shrouded by clouds, framed by silhouetted trees last night
Red snow-covered seating area with reflections visible in the window, waiting for the snow to melt, waited for us in front of the restaurant, creating a picturesque scene, that I needed to photograph for Monday Window: 2 March 2026 The soft crunch of snow beneath our boots as we approached added to the winter charm, while the warmth emanating from inside the restaurant promised a cozy retreat. and good food.
March 2nd is the 61st day of the year—62nd if it’s a leap year! Can you believe there are still 304 days left before we wrap up the year? Just a fun little thought I had!
A landscape from the hill behind my house in Kirkkonummi, Finland, the snow-covered trees and a bright blue sky was shot with my Sony 7III and Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 lens
This IPhone shot I am also sharing with John’s Cellpic Sunday
This winter landscape capturing a vast expanse of snow-covered sea and distant trees under a cloudy sky was taken in Espoo, Finland. Shot with IPhone 17 PRO
Have I captured this in this image; a dimly lit tunnel with sleek lines and warm yellow lights. Shadows create patterns. As vehicles pass, bright lights flash, briefly blinding those inside. The mix of dark and light highlights the tunnel’s design and the thrill of speed felt by travelers. This imagery should reflect the moment of traveling through it quickly.
A dimly lit tunnel showcasing the sleek lines of its architecture and warm yellow lights illuminating the roadway.
A dimly lit tunnel, where shadows remain, Sleek lines of structure, a rush quickly past. Bright lights, they flash and blind Illuminating the roadway, as speed takes flight.
I don’t have resent doors for Dan’s Thursday Doors, but I edited an shot from Helsinki for this weeks post. The shot is from few years back but the buildings are still there.
The yellow house is the Bockin House is one of the oldest buildings next to Senate Square, originally built by merchant Gustav Johan Bock. After he passed away, it changed hands until the Swedish crown turned it into a royal residence in 1801. When the Russians took over Helsinki in 1808, they used it as a home for their officers. In 1816, architect Carl Ludvig Engel came along and revamped it into the official home for the Governor-General of Finland, making it a three-story Empire-style building and adding a pediment with Ionic columns, plus a fancy banquet hall. The one in the corner is Helsinki City Museum, located in the city’s oldest blocks near Senate Square, is anchored by Sederholm House (1757),the the oldest stone building in the city center.
A vibrant Helsinki view at night. The image shows the Helsinki City Museum, seen here as green in this festive light, though it is light blue, which is located right in the heart of Helsinki at the corner of Senate Square.A stunning night view of beautifully illuminated historic buildings, showcasing elegant architecture and a lively street scene.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 