Urban (adj): Relating to, or characteristic of, towns and cities.

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Maturation (n): The process by which fruit ripens.

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Carotenoid (n): An organic pigment responsible for yellow and orange colouration in plants, fruit and vegetables.

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Afterglow (n): Light visible in the sky after sunset as twilight proceeds, usually due to dust or other particles in the atmosphere.

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Last night, there was a large-scale solar storm, bringing the promise of possible aurora sightings further south than is usually even imaginable. It is one of my lifetime ambitions to see the Northern Lights – but, as someone who lives not much more than 50 degrees north, I have to accept that I’m highly unlikely to fulfil it on my own doorstep.

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Skein (n): A collective noun for geese in flight.

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Lens flare: A photographic term for visual effects caused by unwanted light in the camera mechanism.

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Melt (v): Heat a substance, or mixture of substances, until it or they become liquid.

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Cornucopia (n): The Horn of Plenty from Greek mythology, a symbol of profusion and abundance.

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Squidgy (adj): Soft, sticky or spongy material – a word often applied to food, and especially to cake.

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Negative (n) A strip of film from a 35mm or other camera prepared for photographic processing.

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Phragmites (n): A botanical classification for reeds, a type of water-loving perennial grass.

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Needlecraft (n): A broat term encompassing sewing, knitting and other decorative textile-based handicrafts.

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Bicycle (n): Vehicle consisting of two wheels held in line by a frame, powered by pedals and a chain, and steered by handlebars over the front wheel.

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Endurance (n): The quality of putting up with a difficult or painful situation for a long period of time.

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Tricolour (n): A popular design for a flag or banner divided into bands of three (or more) colours.

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Illusion (n): A trick that is played on the senses to persuade the brain to perceive something that is not actually there.

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Windfall (n): An apple that has fallen from the tree; an unexpected bonus.

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Library (n): Curated collection of books or other information materials; the building in which they are housed; a place where magic happens.

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Hindberry (proper noun): An archaic name for the raspberry.

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