Autumn's on the way

The rains finally came today after 60+ days of absence. There must be some curious meteorological effect that applies to the Chiltern Hills because we kept seeing approaching rain on the weather forecasts but it always, somehow, managed to miss us. Now, I'm all for sunshine and it's been a glorious summer, but my poor lawn looks like a bed of straw, the reservoirs are dangerously low, the trees have been shedding their leaves while they're still green and it's been a tough time for the wildlife - plant and animal. The meadows and fields where I walk my dog look parched and dead.

One thing that happens during times of drought is that plants put extra effort into ensuring that the next generation survives (just in case the parents don't). My garden Bramley is absolutely loaded with apples and the oaks are showing a glut of acorns. There are a large number of galls (of both varieties - see here) too so I guess the gall wasps are doing the same thing.

The rosebay willowherb, thistles and dandelions are all putting out clouds of fluffy seeds, and the nettles and hogweed are similarly dying back and seeding the next generation. There are signs of approaching Autumn all around.

It may only be August but everything was early this year. Our blackberries have nearly gone over, there are sloes on the blackthorn, and rowan berries and elderberries keeping the birds and jam makers happy. There are beech nuts and plenty of crab apples around, and the hawthorn is starting to put out tasty little haws. Even some of the wild dog roses have fat hips already. My freezer is starting to fill with jam, syrup, crumble, pie and chutney ingredients.

Nature always tries to put on a good spread at this time of year so that the animals can make it through the Winter. As I said just now, it's all a month early this year so I hope this doesn't cause the wildlife any problems.

Meanwhile, let's hope for a mild Winter ... although I can't help loving the experience of a walk in chilly Autumn fogs or on freshly laid snow.