Chinese Lanterns

Not too much time to blip today as I am preparing for a visit to the New Forest.

I popped out between showers to picture these Chinese Lantern plants which are adding some colour in one corner of the garden.

The Latin name is Physalis alkekengi and the plants are grown for the intriguing papery lanterns which enclose its bright orange autumn fruits. The stems of vibrant lanterns can be cut for dried flower arrangements, or left on the plant where they add winter interest; slowly becoming ornate skeletons.

The skeletons will make excellent macro subjects in a few weeks time.