The autumn equinox has passed and the summer, with all its intense heat and light, has gone. It is chilly in the mornings now and the days are shorter, but we still get to sit out and enjoy the sun and watch the sea glisten on the odd mild day.

But before the gardening season is over and the big clear out begins, we have one final burst of colour enlivened by the returning rain. My garden is now a muddle of rich warm reds, muted pinks and a tapestry of all shades of green. The sedums, rose hips, pokers and cascading roses are muscling out the grasses in competition to be the star plant this month.

Also spotted, hiding over in the west garden, is a pop of flaming red and the recovering blue hydrangea.

And there is much progress with my book. I have met my project manager at the printers, TJBooks, the typesetter and the web designer. The manuscript is going through another round of edits and the illustrator and cover designer are doing their bit to make my book a reality.

So enjoy the sunny days as they arise and come back next time for more news of my book.