Autumn fact
In a survey of our Thrive Gardening Club, 31% of people voted autumn as their favourite season of the year.
As summer ends, we may mourn the loss of the warmth in the air. We may sigh as we need to put on additional layers as the wind chill catches us out. But, there is much to celebrate as we venture into autumn.
It is often easier to forfeit time outside for a warm indoor activity at this time of year. But getting outside is important, if just for a short time. Even on a rainy autumn day, a good dose of fresh air can help clear the mind. Grabbing your waterproofs, wellies and splashing in the puddles can lift your mood, and remind you of the fun to be found in the simplest of activities.
When I started going with people to parks, I felt so wonderful. To actually get back to nature is the most healing thing I believe you can do.
Sarah, client gardener
Autumn always feels like a season for all five senses. It offers us a chance to fill up and store all the goodness of the season, which can carry us through the winter.
We look at the many ways autumn can offer sensory delight. You could try and focus on one sense at a time when you are outside, or simple enjoy the complete experience.
Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth, find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.
Rachel Carson
In a survey of our Thrive Gardening Club, 31% of people voted autumn as their favourite season of the year.
The colours of our outside spaces change daily in autumn. They offer such a beautiful rainbow to brighten even the dampest days. Observe the changing colour of the leaves, the last-ditch blooms of our flowers, or the late-season harvest.
It is often said that the autumn sun casts such golden light across the horizon that it looks magical. It paints our world in such warmth that we could almost forget that the days are shortening and the air is cooler.
Autumn light is provided by the sun gradually moving lower in the sky and casting an angled glow across the garden. This light casts magic into the air. We can almost breath it in, the fresh cool air with the warmth of this light.
There is much to explore with touch in autumn. There is the joy of digging through the earth, ready to set your garden up for a sleep through winter. Or, experience the gentle touch of a conker. Smooth and almost warm to the skin, it brings such joy to adults and children alike.
Foggy autumnal mornings also offer us the delicate touch of damp air on our skin. Hopefully, this will soon be burnt away to the surprise warmth of a sunny autumn day.
The fresh cold crisp autumn morning has such a smell it is hard to describe. The gentle hint of woodsmoke in the later part of the day, or the hum of greenery as you brush past a bush or tree can fill our nostrils with such delight.
Perhaps the aroma of homegrown produce cooking reminds you just how great autumn can smell.
You may not think of tasting the outside (and we don’t suggest eating soil!). But, you can let the fresh air fill your body through a deep breath in. This can do wonders for your body, mind and soul.
Once you’ve had your fill of the outside, the warming hearty food associated with this season will be a treat for the taste buds too. Squashes, root vegetables and the final berries and apples may all be there to harvest.
There is still much to enjoy from our gardens during autumn.
We can make a symphony with the sounds that autumn brings. There is the crisp crunch of leaves underfoot, the tip taps of acorns and conkers dropping from trees and the birds singing from treetops.
Take five minutes to sit quietly and marvel at all the sounds you hear.
Spending time in nature can be good for our health and wellbeing. You don’t need a garden of your own to benefit. A simple planter or time in a park can still work wonders.
