Autumn is starting to show.

The nights are starting to draw in and are certainly getting colder the leaves are slowly changing from the the dark green of summer to the golden glow of Autumn as they begin to tumble to the ground. The Bee's are still visiting the last of the Sunflowers gathering as much nectar as they possibly can before they too hunker down for the cold months. As the year winds down there is an abundance of berries and fruits in the hedgerows all in preparation for the onslaught of winter.

Some of the Summer bedding plants have given their all and are now a poor example of their former glory I'm afraid it will be the compost heap that will be their next home! The Dahlias will manage to flower till the first frost and some of the Roses will go on flowering into December. Nature tends not to give up easily I did notice a few Swallows still around chasing the insects getting their energy levels at maximum before the long flight into Africa, incredible to think that such a small bird can fly all that way!

As gardeners we are always looking to the future and now is the time to plant the Spring flowering bulbs like Daffodils, Tulips and Crocus to name a few. They are little power houses of energy ready to burst forth at the slightest sign of warmth with a crescendo of colour in some of the bleakest months of the year.

But now is the time to appreciate the early Autumn season, golden light and long shadows, dark star lit nights, cool air, russet leaves, bright berries in the hedgerows, long country walks followed by hot soup and fresh bread by an open log fire. Every season has it's beauty but Autumn's can be a little special.