‘Tis the season for Physalis (or Chinese lanterns). These orange papery cases are symbolic of Autumn and often used in seasonal displays. It has been a good year for them this year. Related to the tomato, they are sometimes called ‘tomatillos’ and are grown for their edible fruit, despite the plant’s leaves being poisonous and part of the nightshade family.
The posies also include copper beech which has been carefully preserved with glycerin. This means the leaves don’t drop and can be used all season or even the following year if stored correctly.
It feels like Autumn has hit us and the cutting garden is certainly enjoying lots of rain this week!