The thing I love most about October are the smells that drift in. It is an earthy, damp smell – it is the scent of rain, fallen leaves, conkers, ripe fruit and compost. No other month can change like October. It can arrive in as late summer and end in the grip of winter. But one of the many effects of global warming is that the gardens here at Columbine are flowering for longer and that we are getting more colourful autumns – especially this year as all the rain has made the trees put on lots more foliage. It is a busy time, making the most of the conditions and preparing the garden for spring.
The builders have concreted the bridge – the part which we will drive over – all very exciting. And I am about to finish ordering all of our spring-flowering bulbs – thousands of them. On a wet day what could be better than to swoon over the bulb catalogues with their wonderful selections and think of spring. They should look spectacular for our spring open days next year.
Hew and I went off the other day to an art exhibition at Blackthorpe Barn on the Rougham Estate – just down the road from here. For a week their barn is transformed into a captivating art gallery showcasing the great talent of local and regional artists and sculptors. Hew made a purchase – a lovely soft watercolour called ‘Sleep’ by local artist Simon Kimmins. Hew went to collect it and is now as I write dashing round the house looking for picture hooks and finding “just the right place to hang it”.
There is no denying that autumn is in full swing. So don an extra jumper and enjoy the last of the flowers and watch the swansong of the leaves as they explode into oranges and scarlets.
Kate Elliott came to Columbine Hall in 1997 when she was sixteen. She is now head gardener but also helps with managing the property generally and in conducting guided tours.