13 June 2009

Rotten


Menton is famous for the Fête du Citron which takes place in February and many of Menton's streets are lined with orange trees.

Now the oranges are rotting on the trees, a few have fallen, but it always surprises me how long they hold on. These trees, which will be trimmed soon, line each side of the Jardins Biovès - alongside the plane tree we saw the other day.

I presume they are not harvested for consumption because they are such a bitter variety - also they'd be polluted by the cars that drive past them. And of course, they are such a beautiful symbol for Menton that the authorities probably like them to be visible for as long as possible.

Tomorrow, get your running shoes on, we've a 10 kilometres run along the beaches.

9 comments:

Catherine said...

I really don't understand how these trees grow, Jilly.
The first thing I watch getting out of the train station are orange trees. And sometimes, in the same tree I watch on one side white orange flowers, and on the other side full fruits ready to fall on the sidewalk. I wonder if they don't product fruits twice a year.

Birdman said...

Wonderful close-up. I like this tight shot.

brattcat said...

I loved your series on the festival last winter. Those oranges helped me through our endless months of snow. Now I feel a sense of nostalgia as I study these photos. These rotting oranges are like old friends. I'm glad you posted them, Jilly.

Steve Buser said...

Maybe that's how these orange trees have survived and flourished for so long. Looking pretty, but too bitter to pick.

Kate said...

Rotting or not, I particularly liked the small photo because it showed the fruit in clusters. The orange against the green is a nice contrast.

Snapshutter said...

To bad they're not edible. But at least they provide nice coloring for the boulevards.

Peter said...

I thought they could be used for marmelade making, but you are right ... they look so nice on the trees so let them stay there!

siva // ശിവ said...

In my village where i lived earlier, there is a lot of orange gardens...Thanks a lot for reminding that sweet days...

marley said...

At first I thought 'what a waste' but if they are a bitter variety then I guess they serve a decorative purpose.