After another wet August, there was an Indian summer in the first two weeks of September.  Most days had golden sunshine, but chill in the air that speaks of the Autumn to come, and the leaves on some trees are already changing to the brilliant reds and soft yellows that make the season so colourful.  The many sloes on the blackthorn are the size of small damsons, ready to make sloe gin once they have been frosted.

The kingfisher was seen last week at the bridge to the yard, and there is much evidence of the deer, from the damage to the young trees.  Those without shelters suffer and some so much that they cannot live.  But most lose bark and never grow into full size trees, but are stunted and develop as a bush.  People that have been coming since this place opened say how much the trees have grown, and this year has been specially good in that respect; the mix of sun and rain has been ideal growing weather, so some trees have put on several feet.  Birches in particular are now at tree size, amazing since they have only been in since February 2005.

One crab apple bloomed marvellously in the Spring.  Now there seem to be quite a few coming close to big enough for blooming next Spring, which will be a wonderful sight.  They are planted in small groups, some near to gates and paths, so both blossom and scent will assail the senses as you walk past.

Weed on the pond has grown like a triffid.  They went in as single strands, no longer than six inches, and just now are being taken out in sackfuls.  They have tiny white flowers in the summer, quite inoffensive looking, but they are taking over the whole pond.  Next year perhaps waterlilies, also apparently strong growers, should go in there to fight it out with the weed and see which can dominate.

Three borrowed Jacob sheep in the arboretum field have arrived to get the grass under control.  The trees have been fenced off to protect them from the sheep, who have been named Betty, Marjorie and Edith, as appropriate sheep-like names.  At first they were quite nervous but now come up as if expecting something good when you approach.  Sadly this is not usually the case.  They certainly look well fed, and if they tackle the young nettles and thistles as they come up next year.

The fruit garden now looks different as the hedge at the back has been layered, in readiness for the tennis court which should be constructed next month.  But as the quote from the contractor has not yet arrived, perhaps not.

And so on to winter, which last year was cold and beautiful.  There are a couple of pictures on the Gallery taken then.