Every year I am ready for autumn much sooner than it is ready for me.

It’s the cherry tree’s fault.  Come February it is frantically dropping its yellowed leaves and by the time the autumn equinox arrives, it stands proud and bare in front of the duck house whilst all around it is still clothed in summer green.

But this week … there are hints of red in the Japanese maples and viburnum.  The grape vine has lost its vigour and its leaves grow crisp and listless.  There are glorious orange pumpkins stacked up every and appearing in every ...

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