Autumn

Autumn is definitely here and it is not very Keatsian, we are having heavy downpours and strong winds. I have gathered most of the allotment crop. Poor pickings because of the drought and my imability to keep things alive when the only option is to water by hand. I'm grateful for those crops that gave me something.

The alliums were very good in the garden this year and we've enjoyed the dried seed heads as much as the flowers. I've bought some more bulbs for next year.

The rose cuttings that I took earlirt in the year seem to be doing well but there is winter to get through before I get too confident about them.

I found a small frog in the bowl that I'd put out for the robin!

The garden is very green now, withou much colour. We spent the morning clearing gutters of pine needles and putting away the rest of the outdoor furniture.

When the rain looks as though it will hold off for a while we go for a walk on the beach. The tourists have gone but the local women's group swimmimg club, aptly named the bluetits, were all in the sea enjoying the surf.

I was quite happy to return to the warmth of my kitchen and a second flowering of small orchids.