Autumn Has Arrived

Autumn has firmly arrived during this last week or so. Those fiery vibrant colours, those muted reds and golds all in their splendour. Deep purples and pinks. It's all around us. You can't miss it. Everything is a deeper shade, even the sunshine and the shadows that it casts. 

Swirling mists descend as the dark chills the air on an evening and lingers around in the day until the sunshine breaks through and clears.  Wet droplets of air on your face during an early morning walk. Spiders webs shine out in all their glory. 

The landscape is forever changing, golden trees in the distance, the crunch of leaves underfoot, recently ploughed fields full of new growth again in readiness for winter. It's probably nature's most spectacular time of year. A real feast before the nights draw in and the days shorten. 

Autumn Walks

It's been quite a lovely October so far with plenty of late autumn sunshine and breezes that have that little crisp and tinge that give away we are heading towards the colder days now. It's perfect weather to layer up and take a walk to soak up the changing landscapes, nature and plants. 

The fields are quite bare around our area at the moment, as the harvesting is completed and the grounds are being ploughed again in readiness for the winter plants. They look almost sandy and golden though on a sunny day and look quite stunning where they meet the huge fluffy clouds and blue skies. 

The hedgerows are full of interest, bright berries and the last of the autumn fruits like blackberries are on full show. Trees are dropping acorns, conkers and there are windfall apples fallen on the ground. I have to keep dragging my spaniel Ted along as he investigates and forages for the autumn goodies that are abundant on the pathways. He's enjoying sneaking an apple or two, but I'm having to be strict on the acorns and conkers! 

The trees seem to be holding on furiously to their summer colours, thanks to a sunny and warm season, but there are tiny signs of changes happening if you look close enough - a few subtle colours peeping through and leaves trickling to the ground. I'm so looking forward to those bright golden yellows and flaming reds and oranges when they come though. Autumn trees are such a wonderful sight. And I love those log piles - lined up ready for those warm autumn fires; creating little habitats for tiny creatures to hibernate from the cold. 

It's a wonderful time to explore a National Trust estate or garden. Some of the photos are taken at Wimpole Hall Estate in Cambridge. There is nothing more wonderful to me than having a good explore of the beautiful grounds with Ted in tow, following us on our way, having a good old autumn blow in the wind and enjoying the sunshine. Then the best bit is afterwards, stopping off for a warming hearty and traditional lunch from the cafe and but being able to still sit in the sunshine and enjoy it. If there isn't time for that though, then a short stroll around the park is good enough, especially when you know the coffee is brewing and the home made pastries are baking in the oven! A warm welcome to come back to and some relaxing time with one very sleepy, cuddly cocker spaniel. 

Budapest

I recently visited Budapest and besides exploring this city and all its stunning sights, views, architecture and the Danube River, I also kept an eye open for plants and flowers like I always do. We visited in late September, the weather and temperature echoed very similar to ours here in England. We enjoyed beautiful warm sunny days with perfect temperatures for walking and exploring and then cooler nights as the sun descended over the Danube River.

There were beautiful arrays of flowers flanking the riverside, similar again to our own plants here at this time of year - autumnal mixes of bright orange marigolds and deep red begonias, rose beds and daphnes surrounding the parliament buildings that make the iconic view on the edge of the river. 

The trees hadn't quite turned in readiness for autumn, but looked stunning against the frame of light stone architecture and along the tree lined avenues. Banks of ornamental grasses formed a soft edge to the spectacular buildings in their background - it was difficult to distinguish which was more breathtaking the architecture standing grand and tall or the swathes of frothy grasses that swayed in the breeze before them. 

One of my favourite places was Maragaret Island and its beautiful parkland and gardens. Set in the middle of the Danube River and accessed across the Margaret Bridge. The first thing we were drawn to was the waterfall garden. We sat and quietly watched the waterfall for a while and when we decided to make a move and explore further, suddenly we were taken by surprise - loud music started and the waterfalls started dancing. We sat back down smiling - warm sunshine, beautiful sights, then happy music and dancing waterfalls like a firework display. What more could you want to bring a little fun and happiness to the day?

Firey red hot poker plants surrounded the waterfalls adding even more brightness to the scene and the water cascades reaching high to the backdrop of the trees. 

Then more fun and laughter. How do you explore around this tranquil, green oasis when you've already been wandering and exploring for miles while you've been heading towards it without wearing yourself out? We were hoping for a romantic and peaceful horse and carriage ride - that's what the guide book had informed us. But no, not a horse and carriage in sight, so we plumped for a bicycle carriage made for two - something of a cross between a tandem and a pedallo. That turned out to be great fun as we pedalled and steered our way through the pathways and explored the beautiful gardens, woodlands and monuments. Aching legs later were well worth it for all the light hearted fun and happiness. 

The gardens still refelected summer time with salvias, verbenas and typical late August plants, but there were touches of autumnal colours, golds, browns and oranges of rubekias, marigolds and ornamental grasses. All very beautiful. 

Each evening, the sun would set above the river, the pink and purple hues accentuating and silhouetting the hills of Buda in contrast to the flat ground of Pest. Then the whole city would light up as dusk fell - more breathtaking views in every direction, especially from the superbly lit Chain Bridge. The bridge links the two sides of the city - Buda and Pest - and offers views stretching in all directions across the river and beyond to the Hungarian Parliament Buildings, the Royal Palaces, basilicas and churches. Simply stunning.