Harlow Carr In October

There's no denying that autumn's here when you step in to the gardens at Harlow Carr, the trees are now clothed in their glowing, fiery colours.

Some trees remain green and the reds, russets and golds show up even more against them.

All around, trees, like my own silver birch at home, are now shedding their leaves.

I don't think any tree looks more magnificent in autumn than the acer, they're such a blaze of colour. I've been promising myself one for a long time but still haven't got round to getting one.

Another plant I've been promising myself longer than I care to remember is an astrantia. Which to get though, a white variety or a pink one. I think I prefer the white.

The gunnera shows no sign of dying back yet, it's amazing how tall this plant grows in just one season.

RHS gardens have a programme of events throughout the year. On this occasion our visit happened to coincide with the Autumn Food and Wood Festival. Celebrating the autumn harvest, there were stalls selling all kinds of food as well as displays and demonstrations.

I'm always fascinated by traditional crafts and enjoyed watching the oak swill basket making demo. I'd have loved one of these beautiful baskets but they were sadly out of my price range.

There are often events in the Bath House when we visit Harlow Carr, this time there was an autumn mushroom display being staged by The Mid Yorkshire Fungus Group. I've never seen so many different types of fungi, all freshly foraged from the region. There were very knowledgeable people on hand to answer any questions or even identify any specimens brought along.

Also being held was an autumn apple display and identification. Two long trestle tables and an extra table in the centre held many different varieties of apples. The appley scent hit you as soon as you got anywhere near.

It's a shame we didn't have the opportunity to taste some of the varieties but I suppose they'd have soon run out with so many visitors.

The Kitchen Garden is still very productive, there's plenty to harvest, though I think there'll be a big change here when we visit again as I'm sure they'll be starting to clear some of the beds now ready for winter.

There's still plenty of apples waiting to be harvested too.

The border I'm following seems to be at its peak, absolutely overflowing with plants. This is a herbaceous border so the plants will soon be dying down and there will be little more than a bare patch through the winter months, as was the case when I first started following its transformation.

The other side of the border has a different look to it.

The asters are giving a new splash of colour to the border. Planting a range of plants which flower at different times ensures that that the border goes on looking good right the way through the year.

I love kniphofia or red hot pokers, they're so striking. This one is past its best now but those fiery colours still remain.

There's still plenty of flowers blooming, even this late in the season.

Do you carve a pumpkin at Halloween? It's a messy job. I found the perfect alternative in the Plant Centre, how about one of these motley crew?

A last look at Harlow Carr in autumn.

I'm sure there'll be a big difference when I visit again next month.