Thistle

A quick stroll around Shepherds Meadows (named for the artist and conservationist David Shepherd) reminded me that Autumn is on its way. The blackberry season is in full swing, though the variable weather we have had this year seems to have really impacted the harvest, and leaves beginning to drop already.


Most of the thistles in the meadows and along the river bank have now gone over and are covered in thistle-down, which close up look like dandelion seeds. I rather liked this image of a single late flowering thistle surrounded by seeds, and it is my selection for today's Flower Friday challenge.