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.

winter reading beckons

As autumn marches on and thoughts of the pre-winter tidy-up are ever present it is good to realise that with winter comes the opportunity to catch up on all those gardening books we have been wanting to read but were too busy for during the summer.

One really delightful little book, published this month, is A Countrywoman's Notes by Rosemary Verey. Rosemary was one of England's most celebrated garden designers and writers. She created gardens for Elton John and the Prince of Wales. In her 'notes' she celebrates the intimacies of a rural world in an idyllic Cotswolds setting but with an eye to modern existence and an appreciation of progress. This informative and entertaining small volume contains engravings by contemporary artists and a personal forward by Prince Charles. Each chapter captures the atmosphere of successive months in her own entertaining and inspirational style.

Ursula Buchan, who writes regularly for the Spectator and Daily Telegraph, is another writer who never fails to entertain. In 'Back to the Garden'. she presents us with a collection of her garden writings, enabling us to appreciate some of the ways in which gardening intrigues, enriches and fascinates her and us. Ursula has a wonderful witty style of writing and this book will entertain us from the agonies of entering the village flower show to the joy of the 'Evelyn' rose. Whether she is discussing lawn-mower maintenance or the discovery that there is more to flower arranging than just putting them in a pretty vase, she touches the nerve of every dedicated gardener who will be able to share her experiences.

Both books are published by Frances Lincoln Ltd., and will make excellent Christmas presents for the gardener in your life.