Between Autumn and Spring.....

.... the leaves stay on the end of the birch twigs to protect the new growth until the buds open in the spring. I know this has a special name but I have forgotten it and, as we have people coming for dinner .... no time to look it up! I am sure one of you knowledgeable blippers will be able to tell me. (Thanks intothehills, it is marcescent foliage).

The grey days continue here and I only hope your weekend is brighter than the one forecast here.