Article: Conkering hero; String at the ready - it's conker season! No matter how small your garden, the horse-chestnut can delight grownups and playground champs alike.(Column)

Byline: CHRIS BEARDSHAW

GENERATIONS of young boys have sought glory with the lusciously shiny conkers of the horsechestnut tree.

And grownups get a lot from it, too - few plants possess such majesty: statuesque and commanding, these rounded trees survey the misty scene, their comforting, hand-like foliage seamlessly morphing from rich green to gold, announcing autumn's arrival.

If you think such displays are the preserve of vast gardens, explore the shrubby species.

Most gardeners are familiar with the true horse-chestnut.

Its broad foliage unfurls slowly in spring in a vibrant shade of green, and on mature trees solid boughs ...

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