Monty’s month

The early weeks of October can be lovely and the garden is rich with the daily intensification of the autumnal colouring. But there is also a powerful sense that the season is over and the guests have all taken their things and are heading home.

Nevertheless, there are still harvests to be had, both floral and edible, and none are more colourful than squashes and pumpkins. Good weather early in October makes a huge difference to their ripening and, although I cut off all the foliage at the beginning of October, or even earlier, I delay picking the fruits so they can have as much sunshine as possible. Even after