The year draws to a close and what a difficult, stressful year it has been for us all! But through it all, many of us have found solace in the garden and many people have started growing things for the first time.

November brings thoughts of the coming winter, with brisk country walks, enjoying the last of the autumn colours and relaxing evenings in front of a warm, cosy fire!

Clear up and tidy! A bit of thought and action now will prevent trouble next year.

Autumn is with us and lets hope for good weather, to raise our spirits, shorten the winter and give us time to attend to all those essential garden chores.

In the herbaceous border you can take and root cuttings from perennials such as fuchsias, pelargoniums and Salvias.

September, a time of ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness!’