Shades of autumn at gardens in Hampshire

When it's autumn, I'll take whatever weather Mother Nature decides to throw us. Rain, frost, sunshine... as long as there's that autumn feel in the air, leaves turning a spectacular array of hues, I'm happy.

Autumn gets me just like spring. There's a newness, a twist to the weather that's exciting and so inviting - despite these two seasons being the polar opposite of each other.

With my father-in-law visiting from Sweden last weekend, my hubby and I decided to try somewhere new, somewhere outdoorsy but somewhere that didn't require too much travelling.

Half an hour away from our village is West Green House Gardens, Hartley Witney. And it is a gem. Gravelled paths lead to walled gardens filled with formal topiary, filled to the brim with overgrown vegetable patches, ornamental cabbages and vibrant dahlias. On a sunshiney day, there was a stunning display of colour. If it wasn't in the changing colours of the leaves, it was the late summer flowers and lush green lawn.

Behind the walled gardens is a wonderful, meandering landscape with a large pond and Chinese-style bridge. It couldn't be more picture-perfect. See for yourself - below and with a visit if you're in the area. I thoroughly recommend it.