It’s past the longest day, and….

….the Horse Chestnut leaves are beginning to turn. They’re always the first to open, and always the first leaves to be lost.

So, I’m sad in a way that the longer days are drifting away from us, although through July you don’t really notice it, and school holidays are still to come, and beach weather still prevails.

But mixed in with the tinge of sadness is excitement-for autumn and all the bounty that comes with that. I haven’t put any effort into the garden this year, but next year will be a year of jams, chutneys and a freezer overflowing, leading up to a home-made Christmas.

Bring it on.