Although the shimmering heat of summer has cooled to a warm glow, the plants, flowers and trees around us are still looking lush. This is when we regroup for the change in the seasons, looking back at hazy days in the sun and travels to exotic climes,  and looking forward to cooler evenings and cosy gatherings. Fruit trees are full of ripe apples, pears and berries now, and if you are growing vegetables, you might be lucky enough to eat your own home-grown produce.