Horse Chestnut Photos for Mid August

 Still following the Horse Chestnut  (Aesculus hippocastanum) that's at the village hall where we have the Keep Moving Group.

Last month we were "one step below drought" now we are in "official drought conditions" and the 5th recorded heatwave so it's  surprising to see it still green and not too many falling leaves either. The roots must be good even though it's still a youngish tree.

Often by August these patches of the disease are much bigger, turning the leaves very brown. The dry weather must stop the usually quick spread.

Guignardia Leaf Blotch (Guignardia aesculi): A fungus-driven disease.

• Symptoms: Irregular dull brown or reddish blotches, often surrounded by a conspicuous yellow band, typically concentrated at the leaf tips and edges.

The conkers are growing well - again despite the drought and heat. I guess when stressed all plants strive to produce seed to make sure they survive. 

When these trees were first planted in this country they were often used to line the driveways of large country houses.

In 1699 Sir Christopher Wren was responsible for the mile long Chestnut Avenue at Bushey Park ( now a Royal Park) north of Hampton court which was originally intended as a carriage drive for William III. 

Now a special Chestnut Sunday  is held there in May in alternate years.

Oh! There the chestnuts, summer through,

Beside the river make for you

A tunnel of green gloom,

And sleep deeply above

Rupert Brooke (1716 - 83)

All the photos from each month going back to March  ARE HERE if you want to compare.