Autumn colour at Leabrooks Arts Complex Garden

What a difference a day makes!  Towards the end of last week, the first week in October, the gardens at the Complex were looking distinctly sad as the summer flowers faded and then, like a small miracle, late dahlias bloomed and the trees and creepers were transformed by autumn colours: brilliant reds, gold, bronze and copper tones. It was a very classy show in the unexpected sunlight.

There was an increase in the activity of the creatures that inhabit the garden too. A hedgehog was spotted foraging for food near the wood pile, a young squirrel learned how to tease the cats and a heron came swooping in early in the morning..  Then there were the magpies: two new kids on the block who’ve set up home at the top of a tall tree.  Despite their reputation I quite like these birds. They’re ill mannered and aggressive but they do have some admirable qualities: they strut with a confidence that verges on the comic, their plumage is unexpectedly colourful and they mate for life.

As with all aspects of experience – including and especially art – beauty is in the eye of the beholder.