Autumn

Garden jobs recently have included the boring but necessary cleaning of the greenhouse to make room for some sheltered winter crops (not quite finished - there's a wealth of chick-weed at ground level and it seems a pity not to feed it over the next few days to the chickens.)

During a recent walk around the village I collected some autumn leaves and berries to make an autumn arrangement for the house. Where I might have put 3 big chrysanthemums (if I'd had any) I placed 3 seed heads from the agapanthus which were so lovely over the late summer.

Today was one of those flawless sunny days that are possible even so late in the year. It was crisp at first but I had to take a layer off before we turned for home. In the distance on this shot you can see a row of pines. On the way out we saw a pair of bullfinches in the trees there which kept coming down to drink and bathe in a puddle on the path. They were too far away and my camera not good enough for a picture here.

Last week our Britain in Bloom group met to discuss out joint venture with the village church - wreaths and pomanders for the village doors this Christmas. Our expert (a floristry teacher) made up a 'for instance' to show the rest of us what we will be aiming for. We are offering to prune people's evergreens at the end of the month, providing they let us keep the bits! Early December should see some very seasonal front doors in this village.