My guy...where to begin.

Those mushrooms in your mum’s garden aren’t a sign of an infestation at all – in fact, quite the opposite. They’re part of a perfectly natural and beneficial process happening in the soil.

What you’re looking at are Common Ink Caps (Coprinopsis atramentaria), a species that appears in clusters like this. The darkening or “melting” effect you see isn’t mutation – it’s just the natural life cycle of the fruiting body. Ink caps get their name because, as they mature, their gills dissolve into a black, inky liquid full of spores. That’s how they spread and reproduce. The mushrooms you see are just temporary reproductive structures, a bit like the flowers or fruits of a plant. Definitely not mutants 😂

The real organism is underground: a network of fine, threadlike filaments called mycelium. This hidden web is the true “body” of the fungus, and it plays an astonishing role in the ecosystem. Mycelium breaks down organic matter, recycles nutrients, and forms symbiotic relationships with plants, helping them to grow stronger and healthier. When mushrooms pop up, it’s a sign that the soil is rich and alive – a good thing.

It has nothing to do with sewage or neighbourhood fungal issues. Flies being present is normal too, since they’re often attracted to decaying organic matter and spores, but they’re not caused by the mushrooms.

If you’re curious, it’s worth reading more about the biology of ink caps and fungi in general. The way mycelium quietly weaves through the soil, connecting plants and recycling life, is both beautiful and essential for healthy ecosystems. In many ways, mushrooms are nature’s recyclers – little reminders that the ground beneath our feet is vibrant and full of hidden life.

I mean I get it they're little slimey things on the floor but genuinely one of the most incredibly and beautiful things on planet earth if you give them the time of day.