Autumn is here in all its glorious burnished colour with plants and trees aflame as shown in Kristie’s wonderful photos below. As you walk up the Maple Grove, look out for the claret-red leaves of the Disanthus cercidifolius (pictured here) and bear in mind that it is well worth continuing to the collection of Sorbus at the top of the arboretum: their show of red and pink and white berries is spectacular.

Elsewhere, the formal borders in front of the Croft are still splendid. The bed on the terrace directly outside the Tearoom is full of bright bold colour with a host of Dahlias and Salvias clustered around architectural planting of Hedychium coronarium or Ginger Lily.

We really should count the apple trees in the Gardens or perhaps just the number of varieties. They come in all ages and sizes from the gnarled veterans of the Kitchen Border to more recently planted step-overs surrounding the meadow. The majority of varieties grown here are seldom, if ever, found in shops. For a small contribution to charity (Macmillan Cancer or St Michael’s Hospice), you are welcome to pick a few. Please enquire at reception.