Only a minute or two away from where I live there's also this big old Golden Rain tree (Laburnum). Also called Golden Chain in English, Wikipedia tells me - but I prefer calling them Golden Rain, as that corresponds to the Swedish name for them that I've known all my life. My paternal grandparents had a whole hedge full of them in their garden in my childhood (and throughout the rest of my life until we sold that house after the death of my parents, only ten years ago). As its seed pods (and indeed all parts of the plant) are poisonous, that must have caused a bit of concern back in my childhood (and my brother's) - but I can't remember ever having feel tempted to eat or play with them. I also seem to have known "all my life" that they are poisonous (without any actual drama attached); so no doubt I was taught that very early on. Seeing golden rain in bloom now just brings a certain whiff of nostalgia for me, making me remember that garden from back in the days when it looked its best.
I just searched my own blog and found two earlier posts about Golden Rain (one of them saying pretty much the same things that I just wrote)... I note, though, that those posts are dated 28th vs 18th June (2015/2021). While the golden rain photos this year are from 24th May. Summer really has sprung early this year!
Just now (~11 am) it's around 24'C outside, and thundershowers predicted for the afternoon. I'd probably better get out for a walk now rather than wait until later...
