I'm writing in mid-October. The majority of the produce of the garden has been harvested, and apples are being juiced. Pumpkins are on the shelves in the apple stores, onions hanging on string, chillis stored in baskets.
But Autumn always starts for me with the arrival of
Cyclamen Hederifolium outside the gardens - the pale magenta flowers reaching out of the earth. We first catch a glimpse of them towards the end of summer. Not only do they herald the beginning of a new season, they are also a promise of colour and beauty all year round.
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| Cyclamen Hederifolium |
Fencing
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| Newly-installed Gate |
Early September, and with the
gate now installed outside the stableyard, fencing was to be installed in the car park. The former 'Pony Paddock' sits next to a sheep field. By installing the new fencing, sheep would be able to graze the land to the side of the car parking area and so minimise the necessary maintenance of this area.
Many of the support poles had already been installed during the previous week, but Giles had me digging a large hole for one of the end posts.
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| Fencing Installation |
Juicing
In my absence, apple juicing began in September, and carried on into October. Using traditional equipment and pressing methods, the apple juice produced combines many of the garden's different varieties, including
Discovery and Beauty of Bath.
The Colours of Autumn
Autumn is usually associated with dull browns and greens. Although the palette of colours is more limited at this time of year, the fruits of harvest still offer great vibrancy and interest - pale green apples dappled with red; glowing tomatoes; shining purple and brown paper bag onion skins.
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| Squash 'Crown Prince' |
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| 'Gardeners Delight' Tomatoes |
The Dahlias also continued to provide a stunning colour contrast well into October.
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| Dahlia 'Sean C' |
A Scent of Whisky
In mid-October, I was tasked with driving the dumper truck to Keepers Cottage. There, I shovelled a heap of bark (some trees had recently been felled), before transporting it to the berry garden. The wood chippings were shovelled around the base of the raspberry plants. This will improve drainage and deter weeds. Steam rose as the moist bark was uncoverred, and a gentle scent - a little like whisky filled the air.
With the clocks about to go back, there will be some cold, wet days ahead in the gardens. But with the change in the seasons comes new interest and activities.
