Leaves

 

It's Tuesday, and I have woken to a windy and rainy start to the day. Never mind, I expect things will improve as the morning goes, and so there is nothing more to do than put the kettle on for some tea, make a  marmalade sandwich, and settle down to start this post.

The view from the kitchen window is one of a dull and wet garden here at home. Looking out on it, I am ashamed to say that I'm surprised that the garden hasn't decided to disown us, as it really is a mess at the moment.

 

The rain did eventually clear, and rather than head out to work with a downbeat heart because of the cold wind that is around, I took this little number with me to cheer things along.

 

 

Highcliffe on a cold and windy day is no fun. The first property is a bit of a large and grotty block of flats, where only the basics are paid for. Add to this the fact that a company was also there ripping up the drive amidst all of the tons of fallen leaves, AND they had all of their vehicle and machinery sprawled all over the place, and it made for a very tough and problematic first job. The second place was much nicer. Things have slowed right down now, what with it being November and cold. There is pruning to do when the leaf clearing allows, and the final trimming is also being done to see things through until next March. I did all of the trimming here first, then blew the leaves and rubbish out onto the grass......



 

......before mowing it all up, with the mower set higher than it is in the summer. An hour and a half later, job done! I love this house, as it is a wonderful style and in good proportion to the garden. Unfortunately though, all of them along this stretch of clifftop are gradually being pulled down and replaced with blocks of flats, such as the one on the left.

 

At the moment, we have a drive that's got a trailer filled with a ton and a half of wet leaves and grass. This is surrounded by yet more half ton bags filled to the brim. All this and I came home today with the back of the van now also filled to the brim. I suppose a trip to Eco Composting to dump it all has to be the first thing on the agenda tomorrow. For some reason, while clearing up all of these wet leaves, the glorious red, orange and yellow tones are lost on me. I only really get to notice them properly during my time off, and take endless photos of the beauty all around me that is autumn.

And so, on that note I would like to leave you all for now with a few autumn images that have caught my eye over the last few weeks.

 

Firstly, a couple from Bournemouth Gardens.

 

 

 

And three more from Stourhead.

 

 

It's eight o' clock on Wednesday now, and the view from the kitchen window is the same......sigh!

Have a good and dry week.