It’s still warm in the sunshine, but there’s a crisp coolness creeping into the mornings and evenings, and it feels like summer is waning and we are on the cusp of another autumn. The British have a reputation for being obsessed with the weather, but I love living somewhere with such distinct seasons and changeable weather, and noticing all the subtle signs of one season flowing into the next.
In our garden, the kale and chard seeds I sowed have sprouted and we’ve harvested the first squashes. I planted four varieties as an experiment, and so far the Spaghetti and Uchiki Kuri are doing better than the Hunter or Sweet Dumpling, but it’s fun to grow vegetables that aren’t always available in the shops.
We’ve tried to create a bee-friendly garden full of plants that flower at different times to provide food for the bees (and butterflies) all year round but our bumbling visitors have been slowing down lately, and we had to revive one exhausted bee we found on the garden path with a spoon dipped in honey. The surest sign that the temperatures have dropped and autumn has arrived occurred inside our home though when our cat Mara decided to burrow under the duvet for a snuggle to warm up her cold little ears and paws for the first time in a long time.
This week we’ve had the chimney swept and stacked logs in the porch in preparation for the colder weather ahead. During the heatwave this summer it was hard to remember it being cold enough to light the fire, but as the daylight gradually shortens and the weather cools, I’m looking forward to savouring all the beauty and cosiness of autumn inside and out. Have a lovely week! X
Autumn is definitely a cosy month. Mara knows whats good for her. π I bought an orange cinnamon fragranced candle today so I am definitely feeling autumnal. π
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Well done on your crop! π One of my cats had been spending about 18 hours of each day in the garden over the last couple of months, but during this past week sheβs returned to her favourite indoor spots – a sure sign that the season has turned.
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Thanks! I think we’re going to try roasting some and making a curry. Cats are heat and comfort seeking creatures. βΊ
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It is nice to start to snuggle inside like your pussycat. I love autumn and the changing colours. πΌ
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What a delightful post, sounds like you are well stocked up for the coming winter. Your squashes look great, how do they fare in a recipe?
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Thank you, I always feel like I’m most energised and active in the transitional seasons like spring and autumn. I think we’re going to try roasting some and making a curry with the others, I’ll share it on here if it works. βΊ
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Livia used to get under the covers too at the first sign of autumn and snuggle up with us until she got too warm. It’s a great picture of Mara – she’s such a photogenic cat!
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