Edging Towards Autumn

Autumn is on the way. I've felt it in the air for some time. Just those tiniest of hints, even on a lovely Summer morning. A few leaves fallen on the ground. Blackberries in the hedgerows. The farmers doing their harvest (what there is of it this year). And then, today, geese flying overhead. Honking, very loudly.

This is my favourite time of year. The heat of the Summer is gone - and survived. Cooler days lie ahead. But still bright skies and nice weather. Just warm enough for t-shirts. 

I don't know whether it's living in a rural community that has made me so aware of the seasons or whether it's simply experience. I'm more tuned into the farming cycles. Phil the Farmer keeps talking about when he'll put the tup in with the ewes. Possibly later this time as forage is in short supply so lambing might not start until February. 

We've picked all the plums. I'm still filling my small trug with blackberries. I visited a local farm to pick some of their Mirabelles. Harvest means something different now - a time to capitalise on all the ripe fruits, to make jam or pickles. To freeze or store what's ready to be enjoyed later. I understand something about how self-sufficient communities lived centuries ago. 

In my small way, I'm more connected to the land. I notice all the subtle shifts. The berries that dangle in the hedges. The hazelnuts that I spotted down the lane. The hedge topping and specific dates when it can be done. 

I mentioned to Phil that the horns on the calves in the shed were growing. He said it was the wrong time of year to do any dehorning. I didn't know that. 

I do love the tidying up that goes on as Autumn approaches. I've already started at home. Bits and pieces here and there in the garden. Cutting back, pruning, clearing. At the farm, the cauliflower and broccoli, eaten by caterpillars was pulled up and given to the hens. The sweet peas have been cleared. The pumpkins are spreading across the raised bed. I'm already thinking of plans for next year. What I will and won't grow again. What I'll do differently. 

I've given the potting shed a clean and tidy up. I've not done much in there this year - most of my growing has been done at the farm. 

Autumn is a time to catch your breath. There's the joy of back to school stationery. That new term vibe. Not the start of a new year but a chance to start over. To make plans. To rest a little. To simply enjoy the season.