The appearance of Hygrophorus hypothejus– commonly known as The Herald of Winter- traditionally signals the beginning of winter and the end of the mushroom season.

Hygrophorus mushrooms- commonly known as the Woodwaxes- are closely related to the grassland loving Hygrocybes or Waxcaps. Hygrophorus and Hygrocybe mushrooms are characterised by their often brightly coloured caps and widely spaced, thick and waxy gills.

H.hypothejus has an olive green to brown cap, with yellow gills and stem. The mushrooms are small, with a cap of around 3-5cm in diameter. They are frequently found growing in association with pine trees. These particular mushrooms were found on the west border of the garden, on grass under conifers.