Autumn leaves

Autumn is now well upon us and there are some wonderful shades of browns, russets and reds in Cumbria just now. The leaves are dropping however and I suspect it will not be long before allthese lovely colours are lost to us.

Apparently this blog is one of Dobies favourites, so I am quite honoured to be included in their list. I often wonder if there is anyone out there who actually reads it but they must do otherwise Dobies would not know of its existence. So thanks for that chaps, much appreciated.

Following the success of the Big Lunch, the Eden Project have launched The Big Bulb Plant. They have teamed up with the Netherlands Flower Bulb Info. Centre and are encouraging us all to plant our spring bulbs before the end of November. They want communities to get involved as well as individuals. More information on www.thebigbulbplant.com

Congratulations to Martin Fish who takes over as Show Director of the Harrogate Flower Shows from Roger Brownbridge. Roger was a tower of strength over his 15 years as show director and has increased attendances by 35%. We wish him well in the future.

Martin, who takes over from the Spring Harrogate Show in 2010 realises its a hard act to follow but knowing Martin as I do I feel sure he will take the show on from strength to strength and build well on Roger's foundations. Martin is a well known writer for various magazines and is a regular broadcaster. We wish him well in his new venture.

Talking about the Harrogate Show, this autumn saw 34,000 visitors basking in wonderful autumn sunshine. Attendance numbers were up on last year and exhibitors saw an increase in spending throughout the show. For the veggies amongst us you may be interested to know that the Heaviest Onion Comp was won by Peter Glazebrook, third time winner, with an onion weighing in at 14lbs. 10oz. Just big enough for a good stew for the boy scouts camp I would think!

My picture this posting is of a lovely country cottage in the Trough of Bowland which I came across when I went to see a stage of the Cycle of Britain race recently. Picture postcard perfect - I just had to take a snap and thanks to the owner who gave me permission.