Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness

It really is the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. I woke up this morning to find the valley shrouded in mist. It was almost magical as the sun slowly started to burn its way through.

The birds and squirrels were mobbing the feeders. They are stocking up for winter. And there was a definite nip in the air.

Harvest is finished

Harvest festival has been and gone. The porch of our church was packed with apples. The sweet scent hit you as you approached. Inside, all the window ledges were crammed with produce. It all goes to our local foodbank.

Bumper year for apples

It has been a bumper year for apples. I have never had so many. I feel guilty that we can’t consume them all. But I know the birds and animals will enjoy them.

Are we in for a hard winter?

The pyracanthus is covered in bright orange berries. Is this a sign of a hard winter to come?

Warm days and welcome rain

The garden has enjoyed the warm days and the welcome rain. The grass is growing vigorously. I hope each cut will be the last, but it never is. The dahlias have been magnificent. They started slow but are wonderful now. I am enjoying their vivid colours as I know as soon as there is a frost they will be gone. The gorgeous red Bishop of Llandaff has been a particular star. It has been flowering for months.

Late flowers

Other stars have been the agapanthus and thalictrum. I am really enjoying the very pretty white petals of agapanthus Twister. They have a touch of blue on the outside which is just gorgeous.

Schizostylis is still flowering. Viscountess Byng is a delicate pink.

Campsis and salvia are also providing late colour. I am growing campsis Flava against a south facing wall and love its yellow trumpet flowers. Salvia Confertiflora has unusual velvety red flowers which should last throughout November.

Meeting with Alan Titchmarsh

I was privileged to meet Alan Titchmarsh in September. He was appearing at the Appledore Book Festival and it was marvellous to hear his anecdotes about gardening, and much more. I enjoyed being a volunteer for the first time this year.

New assistant is causing havoc

Monty Don has made great reference to his new assistant, Ned, the Labrador puppy. He is not the only one causing havoc in the garden. We have Teddy, a bichon frise, who is also keen to help by digging. Teddy might be creating extra work but he is adorable.

Gardening tips – Take advantage of dry days to give your lawn a last cut (hopefully!) but remember to raise the blades. Prune hedges. Lift tender bulbs and plants and put them in a frost free area for the winter. Mulch dormant perennials. Prune roses. Dig over vegetable plots. Collect seeds from annuals and vegetables.

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