Red Hues of Autumn

 

The autumnal palette of colours is a seasonal treat not to be overlooked. Before our short break away (see next post) the garden was awash with red. Whilst this display was mostly berries, it was also leaves, such as those on the Virginia Creeper by the upper pond. The birds and other wildlife will certainly benefit but hopefully not before we have had a little time to savour the seasonal ambiance.

The rowan in our garden and in many of the neighbouring plots is perhaps the most eye catching of them all. The clusters of bright red berries make a colourful autumn splash. High in vitamin C the berries can (apparently) be made into a jelly which goes well with game meats, though on their own the berries do not taste pleasant. In the past it was not uncommon in Wales for an alcoholic liquor called "diodgriafel" to be brewed from the berries; the process, according to an 18th. century traveller to the region involving: '...pouring water over them (berries), and setting the infusion to ferment. When kept for some times, this is by no means an unpleasant liquor...'

However, I shall be leaving our berries for the birds!