The garden is still looking autumnal, with the grasses putting on a show now. The only flower still going is the Salvia Amistad, looking very untidy in the raised bed. The crab apple has an amazing amount of fruit and the colour is lovely. There is a blackbird which has discovered it and we often watch him balancing on the branches pecking at the fruit. It will take it some time to get through it all, I think. I am eyeing it up myself to use for Christmas decorations.
The hydrangea in the front garden has started to take over and spread its branches over the path near the front door, making it seem quite gloomy. It was also making access difficult for the postman. As it's an area in shade most of the time I decided it needed to be brightened up and made more welcoming. I have been reluctant to cut the shrub back too much in case it stopped flowering, but I decided something had to be done. I cut the branches on the side near to the door to clear the path, then I made up some winter pots to put on the step outside the door. Cyclamens, ferns and heuchera, which I hope will grow ok in the shade. I love the different shades of pink which you can get with the cyclamens. I put some pots of them outside the side door too.
We went to RHS Harlow Carr early in November. We always like to do an autumn visit, the colours are beautiful at this time of year.
These were by the streamside, I'm not sure what they are, maybe Gunnera seed heads.
I have been gathering evergreen foliage as I will be making my Christmas wreaths soon. I love doing them, but the preparation takes longer than the making of them.
I am linking this post to Sarah's blog at 'Down by the Sea' for her monthly 'Through the Garden Gate' post.
