Summer's End

It's now officially autumn, but the days have felt like summer still.

We have been enjoying the summer weather with visits to gardens and local walks.

One particularly lovely place was Houghton Lodge Gardens.  Such a pretty house in a romantic setting!

The gardens were beautiful.  There was a walled garden with an orchard

and through the gate were more gardens and parkland.

In a field at the end of the garden were three alpacas named Tom, Dick and Harry!

We also went to the flower show at RHS Wisley, where I got lots of ideas for the garden.

After looking at the displays we explored the garden which was hosting the annual sculpture trail.  I particularly loved these two by Jonathan Hateley.

Neptune's Waters

and Release.

Closer to home we have been enjoying the autumn bounty to be found in the hedgerows,

which has included a spot of tree-climbing for the boy.

He recently graduated from BCU with a 2:1, so now we are the proud parents of two BSc with Hons.

All that fruit is being turned into jams, jelly, desserts

and fillings for cakes!

We have had the last of the summer BBQ's for this year as the evenings are now cooler.

Maurice was a little naughty and helped himself to a rib! :)

I carefully guarded my homegrown sweetcorn as this cat will eat anything!!

Ella on the other hand is a good girl. ;)

The garden has still been looking pretty as we head into autumn

and we have lots of chillis in the greenhouse, but the tomatoes are starting to trail off.

We are making the most of these days of Indian Summer.