Why does autumn always come as a surprise? The transition into shorter and colder days and nights feels like a bit of a shock. It's not that I dislike September - it's just the sinking feeling that summer has gone.

However, it's not all gloom. This year the garden has been fruitful. The old apple tree is groaning under the weight of fruit - so much so that I wish I'd thinned the crop earlier in the year as the poor old dear looks fit to drop. Even the ancient pear tree has a bounty of curvy beauties. In the veg plot the sweetcorn is just ready to pick now and the french beans that I neglected to pick earlier in the summer have ripened into deep purple beans that are turning out to be yummy in soups and stews.

The toadstools above were growing in the lawn the other week and I'm fascinated by their inky frilly gills. They are Blackening Waxcaps and they start turning blue after being picked, turning black eventually. Apparently edible but not something I'd personally relish eating.

As for Red Ruby Rose, I've been preparing a brand new collection of printed silk scarves, all featuring my own textile/collage/photographic prints. I'm both excited and nervous about this new line. They should be in the shop by the end of the month and I'll be exploring wholesale for the first time too. Also arriving are new bespoke printed gift boxes, for both the clutches and the scarves. The sample arrived last week and looks amazing so I can't wait to get these photographed and listed, as they'll be the finishing touch for Christmas gifts.