The Colour of Autumn

Few things conjure up Autumn than the colours and changes in trees etc. In Queensland, we don't get much of a seasonal change, but I recall vividly my first trip to Canberra and enjoying the vibrant colours of red, gold and rust of the fallen leaves. Here in Europe, Autumn has an intensity that is quite wonderful, and they celebrate seasonal change in a more profound way than we do in Australia.

Germany is a seasonal country - fruit and vegetables are generally only available during their growing season, not all the time like in Australia. In the south of Germany where I am currently, pumpkins are the big thing at this time of year and they perfectly show off the colours of Autumn. Hence, Ludwigsburg has a Pumpkin Festival, held in the grounds of a schloss (castle / palace) which in itself is a wonderful place to visit. Here you can see and sample the delights of the humble pumpkin. I had an absolute ball and really enjoyed the pumpkin fries, served hot with herb quarck (a sort of cheese). Each festival has a theme, this year's is sport. There was pumpkins depicting soccer, boxing, skiing etc, etc. I also learned that the German word for pumpkin is kuerbis and that pumpkins are very photogenic.

Ludwigsburg Palace and southern gardens

Pumpkins lining the pond

Multiple uses for pumpkins

Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes

The colour of Autumn

Strange pumpkins - Turks Turban variety

Another strange pumpkin - Gremlins variety