I started stripping some of the pots which stand on the steps into the gravel garden today.  The under gardener thought that this was sad, but I think of this time of year as the right time to start reflecting on what has worked well and correct what has not.     

 I turned out the leaf bin a couple of days ago and divided the three years worth of leaf compost to the four other bins and gave it a good mix up.  The leaf bin is now empty all but, however more importantly it is ready to re-filling.  It has been a dull day here and we have been doing lots of little jobs.  I have been planting sweet williams and forget me nots and the under gardener has been harvesting the cooking apples from an old tree which stand in front of the cottage.  Those which have not been deemed suitable for us, neighbours or the milk man have just been fed to the sheep in the adjacent fields.  I must say that today has been the first time that with a moody sky and leaves both turning and falling to the ground I can say it is starting to feel like Autumn.