I’ve had a giddy excitement about October this year. I don’t know; things are hitting a little harder these days, and I notice the changing seasons more and more with every year I’m blessed with. We’ve been enjoying the Five Pits Trail and Hardwick Ponds as usual; they certainly have a different charm in the Autumn; leaves are beginning to fall, the sun sits a little lower in the sky, and I need a cardi for that post-walk pint and a packet of crisps on the front lawn of the Hardwick Inn.
Considering how dry the summer was, I’m surprised that the plot remained remarkably productive. I mean, some things frazzled; we simply do not speak of the contents of the poly tunnel at the moment! Let’s just say we’ll be visiting Aldi for the sprouts this year. The vine did fantastically again; my new little blended family pulled together brilliantly to pick the grapes and crush them. Next year’s wine is well and truly in production, a little darker than last year’s as we left the skins in longer. We’ve decided to bless our Christmas party guests with the 2025 batch, perhaps mid-evening when they’re a little less choosy or maybe get creative with a ‘Digging the Earth Christmas Punch’.
As usual, we have enjoyed our summer travels; one trip left, and it’s hunker-down time. The kids (three between us), now mostly adults, have been venturing off on their own, and we have made full use of our redundancy!
The ornamental pumpkin collection is growing; I couldn’t resist a gorgeous pumpkin wreath from Jacksdale Garden Centre. I know I’m not alone in bringing out the Autumn decorations in early September, which then ramp up for Halloween. Candles start appearing on every surface, and I know in my heart that fairy lights are never just for Christmas! I’m a massive fan of hygge philosophy, and autumn stirs that right up for me!
Looking ahead, the diary is full, but I’m determined to make time for the allotment when many abandon theirs for the year; we still have lots to do, actually- who am I kidding!? – we’ve not had lots to do! I have aspirations to build compost bays over the winter, proper ones with different sections for degrees of readiness and decomposition; I mean, who do I think I am?
Since our relationship with Little DoLittle began (recycling their used pet bedding), our love for no-dig has grown, and it seems that there is no such thing as too much organic matter for the no-dig allotment. Making our own compost in a meaningful way will be the cherry on top of the cake, or should I say mulch on top of the bed?
Anyway, it seems despite the time since I last wrote a post, my ability to ramble has not diminished.
Happy October, people.
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