D-Day: Daisies from the Killing Ground

On the Atlantic coast of France, just above the pointing finger of Brittany, Normandy juts out like a green thumb into the blue-gray waters of the English Channel. At this time of year, the lush countryside is lit up with apple, pear and cherry blossoms. Along narrow country lanes, lilacs bloom around stone farmhouses and over ancient walls. Cowslips, daisies and bluets ripple through the wet pastures, interrupted regularly by thick hedgerows. Once again the surging Norman spring is laying down a floral carpet over the old...