'neath the spreading (horse)chestnut tree

stickywicket
stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
edited 2. Jul 2014, 14:37 in Community Chit-chat archive
In front of where we park to fill up with petrol stands a huge, old horse-chestnut tree. Some years ago I noticed that, in front of it, was a leggy, young sapling. I didn't rate his chances as very high, given his situation, but he has continued to grow strong and thrive beneath his Dad's long, spreading branches.

Yesterday, I estimated that, at his highest point, the offspring must be about 12-15' tall with lower branches spreading out strongly, just like Dad's. Then I noticed that Dad was full of bright green conkers. I checked but, alas, the young 'un hasn't got any conkers yet.

In trying – and failing – to ascertain at what age they start to get them I discovered that Dad is actually Mum-'n- Dad as horse-chestnuts are hermaphrodite. I've got quite fascinated by my little chap(esse). Anyone know when he/she will start to grow conkers?
If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
Steven Wright

Comments

  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    :shock: Always knew it was us women that had got the conkers. :!: Mig

    ps shall be serious now and see if i can find out.
  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    In an article by Monty Don they don't flower till about seven years old,don't know if they will produce Conkers that year.Mig
  • ichabod6
    ichabod6 Member Posts: 843
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Some ladies' conkers are better than others.
  • villier
    villier Member Posts: 4,426
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Sorry Sticky the only nuts I know anything about are the salted variety :D xx
    Smile a while and while you smile
    smile another smile and soon there
    will be miles and miles of smiles
    just because you smiled I wish your
    day is full of Smiles
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Oh I had to laugh at Mig and Ichabod ladies conkers...brilliant.. :lol: I haven't a clue about the chestnut tree :)
    Love
    Barbara
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I don't think (s)he's even flowered yet let alone produced conkers.

    Isn't it odd how the whole tone of a thread can so easily be lowered :lol:
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Know what you mean Sticky some people :roll: Mig
  • ichabod6
    ichabod6 Member Posts: 843
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Once upon a time, a long while ago, when I used to play conkers
    (without protective goggles) some girls used to pickle their conkers,
    and it was very difficult trying to splatter them.
    Were you a conker pickler, sw?
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Not only did I pickle my conkers, ichabod, I also taught my sons how to do it.

    We'd never heard of goggles back then. Oddly enough, I don't recall any conker accidents at my primary school.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    those were the days...bruised knuckles but that's about it..hee we were tough :lol: and yes I pickled my conkers... :shock:
    Love
    Barbara
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Threading them was the tough bit :D
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright

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