I love dry autumn days - there is something very special about them.

The sun is more placid, without that blistering heat of summer (well, the some summers), and the urgency has gone out of the gardens and their plants - and their gardeners.

There is relief that anything ’cut back’ now will indeed stay ’cut back’ until next spring and not have shot up or out before you can put your secateurs away.

Talking of secateurs, people are intrigued by mine.

They make a fabulous ’clunk’ when used, so there’s no hiding in the shrubbery, but it makes them ’good company’. They are also lovely and light and sharp.

I was brought up using traditional Felco’s and have a couple of lovely pairs that were Christmas or birthday presents from Mum and Bob, so very much treasured.

However, I have since ’turned Japanese’, and now wouldn’t use anything else other than the beautiful Okatsune secateurs from Niwaki. www.niwaki.com I use the small ones - 101’s, and bought Ian the 103’s for Christmas a few years ago (spot our traditional Christmas presents?) as they are larger.

The Japanese are passionate about their topiary and therefore have the most amazing pruning tools. I also love their shears - they are lovely and sharp and light, although be careful if you buy a pair as one of the options is over £500. They take their clipping very seriously.

Also based on their love of topiary, the Japanese created the best ladder ever - the fully adjustable tripod ladder. It’s the safest (and lightest) ladder you will ever use - and the only one I will ever use! There are lots of versions on the market now and my favourite is the Henchman from www.brownsladders.co.uk who also provide excellent service. Make sure you get the fully adjustable one for best use as all three legs can be adapted to accommodate all sorts of slopes and situations.

The other thing I love about autumn is the opportunity for a bit of ’leaf art’, as discovered in work one day. You can see my quick coffee-break creations in the photos but why not have a go yourself and see what you can come up with - great fun for half-term.

And as a friend says, ’Autumn leaves are summer waving Goodbye.’