Transition of the seasons.

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It has proven to be an eventful summer with record high temperatures mixed with tropical storms. I have briefly looked back at this summer as we move through Autumn. 

The early heat brought flowers racing on creating a fantastic explosion of colour in gardens across the country. Creating the yearly debate on when and how to water. It was concerning just how many people water their entire garden twice a day. Established shrubs, trees and perennials do not need to be watered that often, by doing so you encourage the roots to come shallow and actually exacerbate the problem.
The crown of the summer goes to the Leucanthemum maximum. Standing proud yet again. 

Summer borders Leucanthemum maximum

The wildlife took full advantage of this early warm weather, our site being full of nesting birds & bees. Record numbers of butterflies, how fantastic its been to see so many again. And a wonderful increase in Hawk Moth Caterpillars, reported on the decline yet reports from the past few weeks have been fantastic. 

Small tortoiseshell butterfly basking on a stone.

Painted lady butterfly feeding on an aster.

So as the seasons change its easy to feel down at the thought of summer passing the cold months on the way yet we should enjoy the wonderful colours autumn brings, if your garden isnt as bright as you would like take a look, where are their spaces? What can you add? Think about adding scented flowers and sitting out in the evening on a clear night, watch the stars and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. 

My favourite flowers of autumn, well its so hard to choose but these cant be argued: 
Hesperantha's & Asters. Bold Colourful and put up with the changing weather. Perfect. 
I will leave you all with a photo of the most striking of all. Symphyotrichum novae-anglaie. (New England Aster.) 5ft tall practically as wide and smothered in blooms. 

New England aster.