Down in the valley by the river where Mrs J lives, frost usually comes a bit later in the year than elsewhere in the country. Nevertheless, beginning of November seemed to be an appropriate time for putting the few plants that Mrs J has outside to bed.

Summer time out, garden furniture in. Or how did that work again?

Many of Mrs J’s herbs had to go. In fact they were pretty much gone already. And the flower boxes on the balcony too. Although they lasted well into October this year.

Mrs J hopes her Rosemary and Thyme will live through the winter. At least it’s worth a shot. She has little doubt that her Sage will make it. Only a new ice age could possibly stop it at this point.

To keep some colour around during the cold months she planted some variations of heather in a couple of pots for the balcony.

An interesting variation with some green in it found a home in the pot by the door.

Mrs J is itching to put up the electric outdoor lights but she’ll restrain herself for another few weeks. Despite the evidence to the contrary in shops and on TV, it’s not time for Christmas just yet.

Right now it’s time to enjoy cosy afternoons, lighting some tea lights and maybe reading a good book?