The National Trust are currently gathering together glimpses of autumn from around their properties. There is even a Flickr group so that people can share their own autumn experiences. I know I am a bit late to the party but I have added a few of mine from my visit to Attingham Park last weekend.
The following article makes me want to go out there and experience it for myself, but those rains mentioned are stopping me.
The beauty of Autumn
by Matthew Oates,
Nature Conservation AdviserAutumn is our last chance to be overwhelmed in the beauty of nature before the dreariness of winter envelops us. It is a time of fond farewells, each falling leaf celebrating another hour of sunshine that has passed. It is these emotions that take us out into the countryside, parks and gardens in autumn, more so than we do during the riotous ministry of spring – which we take rather for granted, as it rushed headlong into the sanctity of summer. Autumn, though, is a last chance saloon.
This autumn there is an unusual amount to celebrate. After a cold winter we were blessed with a good spring and fine early and high summer periods. Consequently, autumn-fruiting trees and bushes flowered well, were amply pollinated, and set well with fruit. Weather permitting, we now have an excellent season for nearly all fruit, seed and berries. Their presence will enhance the traditionally-valued colours of the autumn leaves.
Hedges are bedecked with the scarlet berries of hawthorn and holly, the magenta of spindle berries, and the purple-blues of sloes and blackberries. Oaks carry profuse acorns, whilst horse and sweet chestnuts are covered in their spiny fruits. The orchard trees groan beneath the weight of apples, pears and plums.
Now is the time to get out and enjoy this wonderful experience, before it is lost within the early winter rains.
The colours are even more beautiful today but boy has it rained! The ones I took in Shrewsbury are pretty but it will get more colourful yet. However, you need a nice day to do it justice
I would like to see Atttingham or perhaps Berrington which would also look lovely
I noticed as I was driving about how beautiful the colours were, I think the rain has enhanced them.
The leaves at Attingham hadn’t turned very much last week when I visited so there is still plenty of time for you to check it out. I am not sure if I have been to Berrington or not…
It’s truly a delightful time and you’re capturing it nicely. I also like the orange in the last post.
I find the colours of autumn so inspiring
We are further along in the autumn season as there no leaves on our trees – the colours left are the beautiful berries and fruits….and the sunsets/sunrises are spectacular. A truly delightful time of year.
The trees when I was out and about today were glorious
It’s still looking good on Sunday.
Good
Love this piece about the beauty of autumn. So true..and so inspiring!!!
I am glad you enjoyed it, I thought it was lovely when I read it too