One of the pitfalls of gardening in a small space is the tendency to over-plant and in this respect I am no different from most. As spring turns into summer and luxuriant plant growth assumes hold, my garden takes on the appearance of a tropical jungle. Mistakes abound! New acquisitions planted earlier in the year are often struggling for much needed air and light. Some I move there and then, others impatiently wait for my attention at this time of year when a better assessment can be made. It is worth making a note during the summer of plants requiring your attention lest memory fails, as mine often does. In autumn, many plants are winding down and can be moved more successfully, many herbaceous perennials can be divided, still others are sometimes blunders that have lain hidden behind their neighbours in deep gloom, no doubt cursing my incompetence. Autumn is also the time to be thinking about planting spring bulbs, narcissi, scillas, tulips and many others.
Above all though, it is a season to savour. The sweet scents and colours of this time in the gardening calendar I always look forward to. Fruits on the many berry-bearing shrubs and roses, the varied leaf colours in shades of yellow, red, purple and brown, seed heads touched by frost have a beauty all their own. Seeing one's breath in the cool of a bright autumn morning, smelling the damp air, planning and planting, spreading sweet compost around the borders. Gardening is all about observing, absorbing, seeing the seasons come and go, keeping in touch with nature. The challenge and satisfaction of growing plants, often far away from their homeland, in your little bit of paradise.
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