In tune with nature

FOR JOHN KEATS, AUTUMN WAS THE SEASON OF MISTS AND MELLOW FRUITFULNESS. HERE, THE COUNTRY LIVING TEAM AND FRIENDS HIGHLIGHT WHAT THIS TIME OF YEAR MEANS TO THEM – FROM CRAFTING WREATHS TO BOTTLING SLOE GIN

THIS MONTH Squashes

The next few weeks are a crucial time, says Lucy Hutchings , to make the most of this season and prepare for the coming year

Scoop up armfuls of seasonal fruits, foliage and flowers – from your local farm shop or garden – to create colourful displays and toasty treats

The latter part of the year has started to draw closer – trees are shrugging off their leaves, and garden plants are starting to slow down, while harvests are coming in thick and fast for us to enjoy.

September is a sweet spot for gardeners. There might not be the frenzied burst of activity you see in spring or the bold drama of midsummer in full bloom, says Martyn Cox , but there’s plenty to do before the colder months come round