Hello Autumn...
I've been waiting for you
Autumn is here, and I am here for Autumn. It’s been such a drab summer that I’m SO ready for the new season to ‘officially’ arrive, granting permission for all the cosy rituals and activities to commence.
I’m not sure when Autumn technically begins, but there’s a definite feeling in the air when it does. For me, it’s a feeling of crispness and a desire to put on socks and slippers, to have a warm drink in my hands while spending time outside and noticing the changing colours and offerings of nature.
I remember thinking last year that I really noticed Autumn, and not only noticed it, but appreciated it. I believe it’s due to spending more time outside with my little girl, and by encouraging her to notice and appreciate nature, I was able to do the same. What a lovely little gift. So this year, as the late summer Dahlias started to bloom and the blackberries shyly popped out of hedgerows, I felt hyper-aware of what was coming and welcome it with open arms.
Here’s a little list of appreciation for the changing of the seasons:
Blackberries are top of the list. Nothing embodies Autumn as much for me as being outside and foraging for blackberries with my mini. This year I’m going to attempt to preserve them as jams so that we can enjoy them into the winter. We’re always conscious of leaving some for the birds and thanking nature for her lovely gifts
Apple and pear trees come into their own this season, and as well as the obvious picking and eating opportunities, I think they’re just beautiful to look at. We planted our own mini apple trees at the allotment this year so I can’t wait to see them grow!
Autumn raspberries are such a treat at this time of year. When everything else starts slowing down at the allotment you can always rely on Autumn fruiting raspberries to keep giving
Cosy wear outside. I’m all for bundling up in hats, scarves and wellies and going out for a walk or heading up to the allotment with a flask of coffee or soup. It all feels so satisfying!
Making preserves from summer gluts. This will be my first year attempting to make chutneys and jams from what we’ve picked. I love the idea of preserving gifts from summer to see us through the darker months, it’s a reminder to appreciate the availability of produce through the different seasons and to make the most of it.
There are so many other things I could list - cosy fires, You’ve Got Mail on repeat, warming stews… but we would be here all day. As I write this the sun is shining while the air is crisp. Thank you, Summer, for all you’ve given. I’ll see you again soon.
What are you looking forward to most as we turn to Autumn? Let me know in the comments below!