After ten years in this glorious industry, it is easy to lose sight the wonderful and honoured position we are in especially when you’re pushing paper, making calls, and solving the day-to-day problems, which inevitably are part of running a business.

It’s hard being self-employed, there is too much work, not enough work and, on the whole the weather is rubbish, and like all jobs, it has it ups and its downs.

Today was a lovely day, a slight chill in the air and the smell of autumn in the breeze. My hound and I took to the hill (the only hill in Cambridge) and walked. We walked for miles and I made myself look up instead of my usual trudge staring at the ground.

The sun warmed my face and sparkled on the The Gog Down highlighting the new growth in the fields beyond, a promise for next years harvest. The last of this year’s sheep were unusually quiet, grazing on the rich grass which, over the passing months, has been a deserted plane of buttercups, daisies and cow parsley as the months have progressed.

I drank in the trees wearing their early autumn wardrobe and felt impatient for the full glory of their spectacular display to come.

Berries, hanging in the hedgerows shone rich inky black and juicy blood red ripe, ready for the wildlife to gorge upon to help sustain them during the impending winter. Wide and long strips of parchment coloured grasses, spent from this season’s growth, bordered the corps of tree creating a wonderful contrast of layers, colours and textures.

Covered in confetti of falling leaves, my hound and I headed for the car, warm, content and at one with the world.

This morning made me realise how people who engage me to design their garden value the passing of the seasons and the beauty that they create. They look to me to re-create a representation of the wider landscape, all within the boundary of a fence.

This is not just a job it’s a privilege.

Kerrie John - The garden design Co