Durme meadows

Massart photographed the inner dyke hay meadows of the Durme in 1904. This region was known as one of the best river meadows in Flanders. On these marshy alluvial grounds, which were located in wide strips along streams and rivers, grew a lush flora of long grass species and other herbs. They were regarded as very valuable vegetation. In this photo, reed grass (Phalaris arundinacea) predominates. Additionally, various herbs grew in this area, particularly elements from the buttercup alliance (Calthion palustris), the marsh spiraea alliance (Filipendulion), and the silvergrass alliance (Agropyro-Rumicion crispi). This plant cover could be mown. Such hay meadows were called meadows here and further west. To the east, they were referred to as beemden. Hay at that time was the best food for the wintering of cattle and was therefore quite common. The tenant was usually a hay merchant who had the mowing done by small farmers who enjoyed the right to graze. The hay yield was abundant in any case, as is clear from the photo. The first mowing occurred in June and a second in September. Thereafter, the cattle could be left in the meadow until the end of October. The dikes in the foreground are planted with walnut trees (Juglans regia) and further on, poplars grow. In the background stands a white farmhouse.

(Source: Recollecting Landscapes)

Dromos