Beware the pine cone

Dangerous things these! Went out with the walking club at lunchtime for our walk along the cliff tops overlooking Bournemouth Bay. I couldn't understand when I tripped over a couple of these brutes the amusement it seemed to generate among my fellow walkers.
They will be old one day!

but I do love a pine cone myself ....
At this time of year they are great for Xmas decorations. Here is a good tip around using them. Before working with the cones, condition them in the oven. You don't have to do it, but heating them first melts the sap and as a result adds a nice glaze to the pine cones. Also, pine cones that are not opened, will open in the heat. (If you make a decoration for outside, the opened pine cones may close again in a wet, humid climate) So, use an old cookie sheet or cover a sheet with foil. Place the pine cones on it and put it in oven. Bake them at about 200 ° until the sap is melted and the pine cones are open. Test first with one pine cone to get the temp. As an added bonus, your house will be smelling wonderful!


Pinecones are common in Roman Catholic architectyre and sacred decorations.
The pope carries a pine cone mounted on his staff.