It was now autumn and the garden was definitely looking a bit the worse for wear. I was feeling rather morose, for I had spent a considerable amount of time during the summer enjoying the beauty of it all. I said as much to Seth, when he came up to help me tidy up my rose bushes. We would undertake the main pruning in early spring, but by removing straggling branches we would be reducing the possible damage any winter storms could cause.

“Ah, ‘tis only natural that the garden is getting ready for a good sleep,” Seth said. “If you don’t allow it the rest it needs it won’t be nearly as fruitful next year.”

“Oh, I know that,” I replied. “But I will still miss the colours.”

“Then what you need to do is consider which bulbs you’re going to plant. It’s the right time for doing that and if you leave it too long, you’ll find the ground frozen when you come to plant them. Give them a good start now, and the first ones should be up and flowering before spring’s even made her arrival.”

“Well, I did say I wanted to grow some new bulbs. Do you think we can get some if we go to the market on Friday?”

“You want me to come with you?”

“Why not? I could do with your expertise. We could even get some dinner while we’re there – I’m sure you know a suitable venue. That is, if you’re not already busy that day.”

“Ellen will be happy to be rid of me. And yes, I know just the place for a decent meal.”

“Good, that’s agreed. The only thing is, can you find anyone who could do some digging for us on the Saturday?”

“How about young Jack Morley? He might not be as quick or as thorough as some of the older lads, but he’d do a good enough job for what you want.”

“Do you think his mother can spare him? She must be needing his help around the house.”

“I don’t doubt she’ll manage for a few hours, especially as he’ll be paid. It might be better if he came up around 11, did a couple of hours, took a break for dinner, and then did another hour or so. I doubt he’s got the stamina yet for a full afternoon’s work.”

“And we give him his dinner.” I nodded, for it would help the family.

“Our Ellen will do him a bite to eat.”

“There’s no need. Mrs Maiden leaves us a plate of cold meats and some potatoes ready to boil, so I can ask her to do some extra. In fact, why don’t you come to dinner as well, then young Jack won’t feel as awkward as he might do with just Holmes and me. And if you’re going to protest, perhaps you could persuade your Ellen to do us an apple pie to go with it.”

Seth grinned. “Thank you, Doctor. I’ll make sure she does.”

We stood up and Seth headed off home, waving to Holmes who was walking across the grass towards the cottage.

“Planning your next season, I suspect,” he said.

“Since you probably overheard at least some of our conversation,” I replied, “I do not think this counts as an impressive deduction. And yes, we were talking about spring bulbs.”

“You won’t forget to include plants for my bees in your garden plans, will you?”

“I don’t think that would be possible!”