False Fall

Britain is suffering its worst drought since the mid 1970s, (when my youngest daughter was born) with dry weather expected until October. Some say we’re seeing signs of an August Autumn, with ripened berries on bramble and crisp dry leaves everywhere. Really though it’s a false ‘Fall’ with the trees going into survival mode. After all, the season does not change till September 23!

To reduce water loss plants initially close the pores in their leaves This also stops photosynthesis, since the supply of carbon dioxide is cut off. The resulting build up of trapped oxygen results in foliage damage and hence leaf fall.

London Plane trees in discard mode
Bloomsbury street litter
golden crunch!
moistening a dry mouth!
a brief deluge