This morning the sun was shining and I was tempted to go into the garden, rather than do any work. So I started a leaf mould stack.

This autumn has progressed more slowly than most I can remember, with plenty of trees still in leaf. While some are golden yellow or foxy-brown, many have not turned from green.

However leaf fall has now started after a few blustery days. In fact it’s been so windy that I had trouble seeing out of my windscreen the other night, as leaves buffeted my car on the way back from a delightful gardening club in Wrabster, near Harwich.

I sort the leaves into different types, depending on their texture. The chunkier ones go into their own heap because they rot down more slowly. Beech and oak leaves have another pile as they turn into leaf mould quickly.

I get a bit aggressive with leaves that have large and tough midribs. Piling up horse chestnut and sycamore foliage, I use a sharp spade to cut up the leaves and help them on their way.

It has been dry here so I’ve been adding water to the heaps. I always add a handful of garden soil too – the moisture and micro-organisms in it help the composting process.

There are still a lot of piles to make, and plenty of leafy trees. But at least I’ve made a start – and the grass is no longer being smothered by golden leaves.

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