Autumn?

Despite the fact that I still can't really do any gardening and haven't done any for what seems like years but is actually only about 6 weeks, the garden is still hanging on to many blooms.  It seems reluctant to acknowledge that it's autumn and rapidly heading towards November, preferring to keep its late summer blooms.

The arbutilon still has buds on but will need moving into the greenhouse soon,

I don't remember sweet peas still flowering this late before

and the bedding fuchsias are still going strong,

as are some clematis.

Soon it will be time to protect the dahlias (I don't lift them and they seem to survive fine).

This salvia (Cambridge Blue) is still flowering well,

as is the hardy fuchsia.

But there are signs of autumn - this rose (Wollerton Old Hall) nestles amongst the decaying seed heads of the poppies,

Sedum (Red Cauli),

and this Japanese Anemone,

are surrounded by autumn leaves.

But I am still harvesting courgettes, generally only 3 or 4 a week now though,

and there are flower buds on the hollyhocks!

This little robin was singing his heart out,

he's clearly enjoying the mild weather.

Veg Growing

I have just picked my first two courgettes!  There are lots more to come as well.  When I first had my allotment I planted 6 courgette plants and practically supplied the whole village with them!  I learnt my lesson and only planted 2 plants the next year.  Now I don't have an allotment but I manage to squeeze a small veg plot in behind the greenhouse.  Currently I an growing various cut and come again lettuces, onions, carrots, rocket, red mustard, beetroot, courgettes, runner beans, tomatoes, cucumber, and strawberries outside, with more tomatoes, cucumbers and aubergines in the greenhouse.  I have leeks that need planting and a blackcurrent bush with no fruit or flowers.  I didn't realise how much I was growing 'til I made that list!  I've picked a few strawberries, although they're in too much shade really, but I have had a lot of fresh salad.  Can't wait for the rest of the bounty!