As autumn arrives, it’s good to take stock of a wondrous year on the plot

Blaze of glory: ‘The Ukrainian sunflowers are towering over the plot. Now more than twice the size of Howard, maybe 13ft tall.’ Photograph: Allan Jenkins

It is the weekend of the equinox. Autumn is undeniable now. Darker days will soon start to restrict early-morning and late-evening allotment visits.

Our bean poles have been taken down and tied up until next year. Allowing in more air and light. The smaller pea/sweet pea tipis are still standing for now. One is barely holding up a smothering, rampant heavy squash. The others we hope will be home to late-sown Grandpa Ott morning glory.