European Garden Spiders are also called Cross Spiders.
Individual spiders' colouring can range from extremely light yellow to very dark grey.
During mating, the much smaller male will approach the female cautiously.
If not careful, he could end up being eaten by her.

1st photo: In my yard, Hilversum, The Netherlands, 11 October 2023
2nd photo: 's Graveland, The Netherlands, 28 August 2012
3rd photo: Zanderij Crailo, Hilversum, The Netherlands, 29 August 2013
4th photo: In my yard, Hilversum, The Netherlands, 22 August 2013