An article in today's Independent claims that this year we may have to celebrate without any berries on our Christmas holly. The favourable weather throughout the spring, summer and early autumn has meant that berries throughout Britain have been ripening several weeks earlier than usual. Many, grateful garden birds are already enjoying the feast. Each year we note the progression through the garden as one after another tree or shrub loses its berries. This year, as always, it is the Sorbus sargentiana that is the birds' first choce. Next come the two whitebeams, which have been popular with the blackbirds this past week. Further down the 'top ten' list is the pyracantha, followed by several varieties of cotoneaster. I've captured a picture of our holly berries before they, too, disappear.