Spring into autumn

The thing I love most about October is the mix of smells that drifts in. Here in Herefordshire, the most characteristic is from the many cider apple orchards. This blends with an earthy, damp smell, rich and sad – it is the scent of rain, fallen leaves, conkers, ripe fruit and compost.

No other month has the capacity for change like October – it can come in as late summer and depart in the grip of winter. But one of the many effects of global warming is that our gardens are flowering for longer and the hot summers produce more colourful autumns.

The highlight for me is the few days when the trees and hedgerows turn brilliant yellow, reflecting the sun and illuminating the entire garden. It is a busy time, making the most of the conditions and preparing the garden for next spring – all against the autumnal clock.

“It is a busy time, making the most of the conditions and preparing the garden for next spring – all against the autumnal clock”

Monty’s 10 key tasks for October

1 Collect leaves for leafmould

One of the effects of climate change is that foliage seems to cling to the trees longer and change colour more slowly, so that the major leaf fall is in November. But a storm or hard frost can send the leaves streaming to the ground this month and while they can look lovely