It is now back to school time and so we drift gently into autumn. While it is tempting to think that we have had nothing but dismal weather over recent weeks, the evidence of some of my photographs would suggest otherwise. There is till plenty of time for enjoying the richer hues and the insect life that are drawn to them. Mili, as usual, is keeping a close eye on my activities, so much so that I am sure she has missed the butterfly approaching her from 11 o'clock.

 

This is also the season for the heathers that we have, to come into flower. They too attract plenty of interest from the insect population and the hover flies seem to particularly enjoy this part of the garden. Heathers do well in our acidic soil and being raised above the level of the patio they do get plenty of sunshine.

I have not always been over enamoured with the heather bed. I seem to struggle to get a pleasing balance between the different varieties. There always seems to be one more vigorous and dominant species. However, if I had one top tip it would be to trim them back promptly once the flowers have gone over. Otherwise leggy plants will inevitably be the result.