The fallen leaves (below) are from a small cherry tree at the foot of the garden. They tend to land on the path, and when they’re soaked with rain and getting slippy they have to be removed. But while they are there on the ground, their rich colour, shape and texture never fail to make me smile.

Cotoneasters are dotted around the front and back gardens and never fail to impress. This one has woven through a conifer and its branches hang like fiery pendants peeking through its host. It’s my autumn decoration. 

The tiny leaves are vivid and are highlighted against the dark background.

The berries of the cotoneaster provide much-needed nourishment for various birds and the stems are often quickly stripped.