This morning, as I made my way through the peaceful churchyard in Grinton, something bright caught my eye — a vivid splash of yellow nestled among the greens and purples of the hedgerow. On closer inspection, I discovered these striking blooms of Hypericum, also known as St John’s Wort. It’s a plant I’ve passed many times, but today the early light and a moment of stillness made me pause and really take it in.
The flowers were radiant, their golden filaments reaching out like tiny fireworks against the glossy green leaves and deep red-purple sepals. There’s something wonderfully sculptural about Hypericum — not just the flowers, but also the berries that follow, which add colour and interest well into autumn. It’s a plant full of character and subtle detail.
What surprised me even more was how well my iPhone captured the moment. Although I usually shoot with the Nikon Z9 for my professional work, I’m always impressed by what can be achieved with a phone camera when the light is right and the subject this vibrant. It’s a reminder that photography doesn’t always require the biggest gear — sometimes it just takes noticing what’s in front of you.
There’s something quite special about churchyards, especially old ones like Grinton’s. They’re havens for wildlife and pockets of tranquility, rich in history and often full of wildflowers and mature trees. They offer a quiet space to reflect and observe — and in this case, to appreciate a little unexpected beauty bursting into bloom.
If you’re passing through Swaledale, I’d highly recommend slowing down for a moment in a place like this. You never know what you’ll find.
