Plants along the towpath – October
As the days shorten, our gardening correspondent Lee Senior concludes his seasonal bi-monthly series.
THERE is the familiar dank smell of autumn in the air now as the tree foliage drops and autumn gradually descends upon our waterways.
Colourful tree foliage, berries, nuts and seeds provide much interest at this time of year as wildflowers start to become rather scarce.
Some flowers that are lingering on include the common toadflax and the low growing, ground creeping herb robert (part of true geranium clan). The latter has pretty pink flowers, but the foliage has an unmistakably strong, pungent mousey smell.
The orange rowan tree berries (mountain ash) are among the most striking around and popular with birds as they can last well into the winter.
Hawthorn berries abound in wild hedgerows across the UK and besides being a source of berries they provide vital shelter for insects throughout the winter.
Meanwhile ivy is often seen on canal banks and is one of the last nectar-providing plants of the year.
There is a multitude of different types of fungi to spot alongside canals too, especially so in wooded areas. Some such as red cap are very poisonous, yet many are edible. But it is wise never to eat any fungi without getting expert assistance first.
The distinctive, creamy yellow ‘chicken of the woods’ is a common edible fungus that grows part way up the trunks of trees such as oak. It is soft to the touch and can be used in casseroles instead of chicken.