Monty’s month

Summer slips through September’s fingers, becoming thinner and more elusive by the day until by the end of the month there is nothing left but memories and autumn days. With this comes wistfulness lit by a fragile yet clear light. But the vegetable garden is offering a rich harvest – apples and pears are ripening by the day and, with a little management, the flower borders can look as good as at any other time.

The trick is to cut your