Riverside flora

The path bordering the River Eden, and Cupar Common has taken on a very different appearance this year. In early spring the river bank was left to its own devices which resulted in a pleasing display of wild flowers. The common land was planted with oats and a border strip around the edge of the field was sown with a variety of flower seeds and grasses.

This has created a changing landscape dominated in May/ June by mustard seed flowers through to a splendid array of sunflowers in September.

This has resulted in changed perceptions of the landscape. What was once a flat area of land has been subdivided into sections, obscuring once familiar landmarks and giving a sense of exploring unfamiliar territory.

The river of the title of this painting can no longer be seen as the vegetation is at its most verdant. The ripening field of oats is bordered by a strip of sunflowers which in turn are separated from the river by shrubs and grasses. Just visible on the opposite bank, the house is bathed in sunshine.