Signs of Autumn`s approach

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 I always think of fungi as one of the first signs of autumn, although this is not strictly true as some fungi grow happily in late summer, while the weather is still warm. Berries appearing are another good sign, and this year has been no exception. But of course ploughed fields and the appearance of some particular floral varieties, also herald the advent of the end of summer! All these images were taken locally and record the beginning of the autumn season.



Parasol Fungi

In a row - and on our lawn!


One of my favourite autumn things - the teasel, although not strictly speaking confined to autumn. The teasel is probably best-known for its brown, prickly stems and conical seed heads, which persist long after the plants themselves have died back for the winter. Between July and August, when teasels are in flower, the spiky flower heads are mostly green with rings of purple flowers. Found in damp grassland and field edges, or on disturbed ground, such as roadside verges and waste grounds, they are visited by bees when in flower, and birds when seeding. These ones were on the edge of a local conservation area.


A lot of my autumn images are taken on my morning walks, this being the type of footpath I love to follow.


Rose Hips used for all sorts of purposes as they contain large quantities of vitamin C. People make Jelly from them, sometimes adding Crab Apples, and you can also make wine from them. Another use, with multiple health claims, is for Rosehip tea.


Sloes, fruit of the Blackthorn. Another hedgerow fruit with many uses.


Then, of course, everyone's favourite, the blackberry. This year there have been large quantities of blackberries and we have picked a few ourselves - to have with apple. Lovely!


Not an autumn plant really, but this Yellow Toadflax has been in great profusion this year in roadsides many places I have walked. Even now, in mid-september, it adorns the verges making a beautiful display beside the brown, ploughed fields.

Then, of course, a real sign that summer is giving way to autumn - a ploughed field.


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