Whenever I have to work long hours (at the moment double shifs) and have a time problem, I fall into the little creative pattern of "nature still lifes", and I use things I pick up absent-minded on my short walks at the lunch time.
Horse chestnuts (Aesculus hippocastanum)
Interesting for me: A bit of history. Some sources say that the seeds have been brought to Europe by the Ottomans as horse feed and as a cure for horses coughing. (Strange as the horse chestnuts are poisonous for horses!).
A bit more reliable: In 1576 botanist Charles de l’Écluse planted a tree in Vienna. He provided seeds throughout Europe. The horse chestnut was quickly planted as fashion tree, initially in royal parks. From the 18th century it was used as an avenue tree and in parks. It is not improbable that most of the planted trees in Europe descend from the tree brought in 1576 to Vienna.
You have captured the beauty of these chestnuts in their natural state. It is surprising to find the smooth shinny seeds inside such a rough outer shell. Lovely Mona. FAV :)
I love this! Great image of the chestnuts! We have them at the horse farm and there is a tree right next to the riding ring and this time of year you have to be careful because they'll fall right on the horses as you're riding past! (which they don't particularly appreciate, as you can imagine...) So they'll always be horse chestnuts to me for that reason ;)
@polarvrtx Hi Sara. Thanks for your comment. It is very kind of you to share your story with me. Oh yes, I understand that you are careful riding under the chestnut tree. Take care!
Wonderful composition, focus, and DOF....and, thanks for the history!! I love chestnuts, and even though these are not edible, I think they are beautiful!! Interesting how they got their name.....I wonder if it helped the horses' cough if they were boiled and added to their water?! One never knows, but some things do become edible when cooked, but poisonous in their raw stage! FAV!
