It has been raining pine cones near Abingdon Library. The cones are scattered near the base of a neighbouring tree, while others have rolled into the road.

Some have rolled or been kicked down the underpass.

The winged seeds beneath the scales are released when conditions are right. If a cone falls before all its seeds have been released, it can continue opening and shedding seeds on the ground. This evening it began to rain. I remembered from school days that pine cones open when they are dry and close when they are damp. The cones had not closed yet.

There is not much chance, however, for any seeds from the cones that rolled down the underpass. But stranger things have happened. Somebody may pick one up, shake out the seeds and plant them.