During the winter whilst rummaging around in the leaf litter under the Magnolia tree, I found quite a few dry and curled leaves which were gradually being eaten and turned into compost. Insects and worms that eat the leaves start on the fibre between the veins, leaving a fascinating tracery of how the leaf had obtained nourishment. I feel the brown and desiccated leaf is more attractive than the waxy green leaf on display during the summer months.

The same applies to the fruit-case left on the tree. Once the fruitlets are all gone, its job is done and it curls up into a woody remnant.

© Gaynor Dickeson

Medium: Watercolour on hot pressed paper
Price: Original sold but get in touch with me via the ‘Contact page’ for details of prints.
Size: 21 x 30 cm
Prints: Available