Despite having an early reminder that autumn is looming when we had a few chilly nights in August we quickly resumed back to summer mode once it warmed up again. And September hasn't been too bad either, with most of the month being on the sunny and dry side.
Curious fish looking at these succulents perched on the edge of their pond...
Most of the garden is still looking lush and exuberant but some plants are already changing leaf color or are shedding them which are definite reminders that yes it's already autumn, more so than the date on the calendar.Time has flown by so quick, where has the summer gone? I feel like I've barely featured our garden in the summer months. I haven't even revealed the new jungle veranda yet nor have shown photos of the fernery area of the jungle garden replanted with tree ferns. The thing is I haven't really taken that many photos of the garden (compared to previous years at least) looking at its leafy prime during the summer. Both of us just let ourselves get caught up tending or just enjoying being in the garden, often not remembering to take photos along the way.
and more...
some were on the ground...
And now autumn is here and some plants are showing signs of of the shift of the season. And with some reluctance we both have to start thinking about preparing the garden for the cooler and colder months ahead.We don't pack up our garden so quick, rather it's a gradual process and involves plenty of planning. It's not going to be hectic yet but there are things we have to start, like putting on new bubblewrap in the older of the two greenhouses for insulation.
They had to be taken out as we put on new bubblewrap insulation in the greenhouse
Bubblewrap doesn't last long and usually disintegrates due to UV exposure after two to three years hence needs regular replacing. The one that was on previously in this greenhouse started to crumble away last spring hence it had to be removed and last weekend it was finally replaced.
Twinkles tried to help
Voila, new bubblewrap in place!
With new bubblewrap now in place it is now ready to receive more succulents for storage during the winter. The greenhouse did have permanent residents during the summer but more will go in later on and by winter it will be jam packed. We haven't managed to trail in an electrical supply to it like it used to on previous years (it got cut off by the garden fire last year) so it will be heated once again by paraffin. Not keen on this form of heating as it emits soot but better than having no heating at all.
And they moved right back in again
So winter preparation has already begun in the garden. And I better take more photos in the next few days before autumn totally takes hold of the garden.
Mark :-)
