With spirits lifted high by a short holiday in North Wales back in September, I am now ready to slowly put the garden to bed for another year. But first, I am going for a little walk to enjoy the last of the warm sunshine and take in a free show along the way.
Some people seem to find autumn a sad time of year, full of death and decay. For me, it is quite the opposite. The prelude to winter is a time to relax a little and take in all the fiery colours autumn has to offer. The backbone of most gardens still remains the woody stems of trees and shrubs, with the green foliage of leaves and not the ephemeral froth of summer's colourful flowers uppermost.
Autumn is the time of year to rediscover and observe the wonderful texture of leaves, bark and general vegetation in high relief. As all the sugars built up during the spring and summer return to the earth, the leaves of many herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees put on a firework display to rival Guy Fawkes Night. So, if you're one of those people who when October comes along descends into a steep decline, I suggest you grab a sunny day by the throat and wander down any one of dozens of leafy suburban roads in your area and take in this free show while it lasts.
For the first time in ages, the weather has been kind. September was one of the driest on record and certainly gloriously sunny. With only one minor blow so far in October, the leaves remain firmly attached to many trees and shrubs gently glowing, working up to that crowning crescendo of mid-to-late October. It's quite amazing how many shades of yellow and orange exist amongst them, even the fiery reds range from pure scarlet to a brooding deep purple bronze.
With nights drawing in and a distinct nip in the air, winter draws ever closer. The birds are now a lot more active after their late summer moult and large gangs of tits sweep across the garden looking for tasty morsels. On sunny days, lone wasps lazily venture into sheds and kitchens looking for something sweet. Whilst many butterflies, also intent on feasting, are looking for some late nectar-rich flowering plants before preparing for their long winter sleep.
As I look around the garden in early autumn I remember the highlights of the summer.
