Autumn Cyclamen

Heavy dews and grass growing in a last rush before the frosts, soft light, lengthening shadows. In Russia this time of year is described as 'velvety' the perfect word for it I think.

One of the delightful sights to behold in autumn right through to early spring, when little else is flowering, is the Cyclamen.

The hardy species are ideal for naturalising under trees as they are tolerant of root competition, also on banks or in a shady border they look lovely when planted with other early-flowering woodland plants such as snowdrops, winter aconite and primroses.

When planting the tubers, to ensure they flower do not plant them too deeply keep the top of the tuber at, or just below the soil surface with a covering of grit or gravel 2.5 – 5cm deep.

Cyclamen hederifolium has large flowers in shades of pink, which appear in autumn before the leaves. Marbled foliage bears a resemblance to ivy. This species self-seeds freely.

A 'mast year' for nuts and berries

You may have heard people saying 2013 is a 'mast year' – a year when trees and bushes produce an abundant crop of fruit and nuts.

I am not complaining except that it has been extra busy in the pickling and preserving department, I am now delighted to have a tonne of nuts from our Kentish Cobnut tree.

Botanical name is Corylus avellana and the trees will reach 6m or 5m if unpruned. They will grow in either a sheltered or full sun position preferring well-drained soil. They are fully hardy and should be planted when they are dormant.

These sweet nuts have been in cultivation for centuries and can be used in so many dishes, pairing nicely with my frozen plums this plum and hazelnut tart is definitely worth a try. See www.allaboutyou.com/food/recipefinder/plum-hazelnut-frangipane-tart-recipe-10417