Two weeks ago the Chestnut trees were in flower. If you enlarge the above, you should be able to differentiate between the 'wild' Chestnuts, and their cultivated grafted cousins. The cultivated ones have the paler (flowered) canopies, which look like below.
The bees were brought in, the plantations mowed and pampered, and fingers crossed throughout the area.
Now it's the beginning of July, and the flowers have all dropped. The ground resembles the passing of a dreadlock clipping ceremony.
Next stage (about 4 months away) will be the harvest, when the fruits will look like this and taste wonderful.
But for the moment, let's all enjoy summer to the fullest; autumn seems a long way away.
I can honestly say that i have never eaten one. I see them often on River Cottage and other UK shows but they are not common here.
ReplyDeleteChestnuts are a major part of our local economy.
DeleteI've got some chestnuts planted here but they've not put on much growth in the two years they've been in. I didn't really know about the grafted ones some maybe I should buy some of them as well. I love them but like you said I'm quite happy enjoying the fruits of the summer first.
ReplyDeleteI struggle not to wish the summer away looking forward to the harvest. You are right of course, enjoy the summer... and this one has been gorgeous so far.
ReplyDeleteI'm in no rush for autumn Cro.....
ReplyDeleteThe chestnut woods just look so lush and sumptuous at the moment. Love this time of the year.
ReplyDeleteAnd didn't they smell wonderful too!
DeleteHow I envy you that last sentence Cro. Up here in the North of the Yorkshire Dales we always say that with the first of July come the first intimations that Autumn is on its way.
ReplyDeleteYou're kidding; I always think Summer is just beginning. We used to leave school around July 20th for the Summer holidays, and for me that was when the fun began.
DeleteI do not wish to think or talk about Autumn yet.
ReplyDelete