The tail end of September in the garden

It's all looking a bit scrappy out there now.

This is a small space that's going to be a wildlife area.  There's the start of a logpile and lots of overgrown grass, which I think may be harbouring frogs.  No doubt there are lots of slugs in there as well.  Hopefully the frogs will eat the slugs.  Whilst I strongly believe that wildlife is a wonderful thing, I'm not in a hurry to stick my hands into that grass the see exactly what's lurking in there.  I have small boys for that.  Why have a dog and bark yourself.

Some of the strawberry leaves are turning this sensational shade of red.

Last year my eldest cut the leaves of off his strawberries in autumn, as recommended by Monty Don, and they were really neat and clean for ages afterwards.  So when I have a moment (!) I'll try and get round and do it again this year.  Or maybe he'll do it for me.  Sounds unlikely now I've said it out loud though.

Bob (Flowerdew) says that you also have to nip off all unripe figs at this time of year.  So being a slave to all that Bob says, I did.  Watch the sap though.  I got some on my arm and it did really irritate for a while.  And it's devilish sticky.

Unfortunately these little figlets are only good for the compost heap.

Elsewhere... there's still a little cricket.

Apples, almost ready.

Pears, still really hard.  Should I be ripening them indoors?  I've no idea, it's the first year I've had more than two!

The odd mushroom, being enjoyed by some unidentified wildlife.  It's almost all gone now.  Must have been delicious.

Tomatoes, ripening very slowly now.  They will soon be finished, ripe or not.

The pepper plants have been composted now.  I wasn't much impressed with them this year.  The flesh is very thin and the fruits were fairly sparse.  I honestly don't think I'll bother again.  Although you may have to remind me I said that in February when I look through the seed box and find a packet or two of leftover seeds.

In the pond there are some lovely fat beetles.  If they see you coming, they dive.  Apologies for the poor photo, it was quite gloomy and I didn't make a very good job of it.

Also a late waterlily.

In the kitchen there are still a few things from the allotment

I'm thinking borscht, salsa, lentil and vegetable soup, cucumber salad and something involving courgettes.  They hold no fear for me any more.  Production has slowed to three or four a week.  I can deal with that in my sleep.

And a final gift from the allotment - pink roses.  Last year I had hardly anything planted there, and I was mainly just tackling weeds.  But there were roses, almost until November which seemed like such a luxury, and a little reward for the effort put in.  There's an old rose bush by the shed, and it's hit it's stride now, after an early flush, and there are lots of beautiful buds.

In amongst the decay of autumn, a little last loveliness.  Enjoy the rest of the weekend all.