Time to sample the bounty of sun and rain

Summer ’s mild conditions mean the trees remain in leaf while berries are ready to enjoy in gardens and in the wild Thursday is the autumn equinox and, even though it feels autumnal, there ’s little sign of leaves on the big trees changing colour, except for horse chestnut trees turning prematurely brown because of leaf miners infesting the leaves.Despite a host of other pests and diseases, it ’s been a good growing year for trees. Plenty of rain, spells of warm sunshine and the astonishingly warm September all gave trees a big boost. If the days are sunny and the nights cool, without frost, there could be some excellent leaf colours and, if the weather also carries on being mild, the l eaves could hang on well into November.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Autumn Tea Farming Environment Summer Fruit Source Type: news