Today is autumn equinox - Mabon in the old ways - where the heady days of summer officially turn into the more mellow ones of autumn.
It is a time of rest and celebration after the harvest and look back over the year. A good time to complete projects and clear away anything no longer needed - making space for reflection and peace during winter.
It is also a good time to plant bulbs and make plans and to gently celebrate being outside with walking and by baking using some of nature's wild abundance. So far jams and fruit cakes have been made, picked sloes are in the freezer, awaiting the next free day I have, to be made into sloe and apple jam and grapes (in the greenhouse) waiting to be picked, washed and made into grape jelly (a pale and crisp clear jam - perfect on toast).
Branches of variegated holly, leycesteria formosa - weighed down by berries, cotoneaster, fronds of grasses and ferns have been picked and fill my favourite hawthorn jug.
The neighbouring hens have suddenly produced a flush of autumnal eggs and a tray appeared at our back door - cucumbers, pumpkins, spaghetti squash and tomatoes are on the cusp of being ready - so yes - it is definitely harvest time.
Later, I will make a Mabon cake - a bit like a large scone scored into eight sections and when Himself and I are home later tonight after work, we'll break it open and have it with blackberry jam and look back and look forward.
There is, despite what is going on, good things which have happened and good things still to come. The trick is to notice them, enjoy them and celebrate those precious moments.
Blessings Be xxxxxxxxxxx
It is a beautiful time of year. I keep meaning to plant some bulbs, so thank you for the nudge.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your cake. X
You are welcome!
DeleteI love your jug full of Autumn and the sunshine at this time of year - showing up all the colours. And thank you for writing the name of that shrub Leycesteria Formosa - There are two here and despite being here for 3 years I've never got round to finding out what they are! Now I know why it's such a bully of a shrub - invasive in many countries. I just keep chopping them back about 4 times a year.
ReplyDeleteI knew you'd like my hawthorn jug! Yes you do have to be quite strict with the Leycesteria, but the birds love the berries and the bees love the flowers so I let it stay but with regular hair cuts!
DeleteIt is a good time of year to plant bulbs. The mice ate all my tulip bulbs last year so I need to plant some more. Thank you for the reminder xx
ReplyDeleteYes, the soil is still warm enough to plant out bulbs, it will certainly be on my jobs list this weekend 😊
DeleteBlessings Be xx
ReplyDeleteI bought onion sets today..that is my annual bulb planting!!
as good an annual bulb planting as any! blessings xx
ReplyDeleteLovely post Kate & I only remembered it being equinox when the weather girl mentioned it last night. Hard to remember things during all this mayhem, though I do see & notice what is around me & the beauty of nature. Love your jug foliage & flowers and capturing the sky & moon as you've done is great. The bulb packs look interesting & promise Spring glory for next year. Take care, stay safe & huggles.
ReplyDeleteThank you :) Most of the bulbs are destined for the new 'meadow' flower bed in the garden, the hyacinths are going to be used as part of chrimbly gifts
DeleteAnother lovely post. All autumnal and a gentle reminder that summer has faded gradually into autumn. Enjoy your mabon cake. Sounds great, especially with your homemade ham. xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you x Cake was good but we had it with jam (not ham!!) hahaha
DeleteI like the thought of sloe and apple jam, especially as there are lots of both this year. Do you have a recipe you were happy to share - or at least some basic hints?? x
ReplyDeleteI will be using this recipe, there are several out there on the net, but this one is the least complicated http://www.jam-making.com/jam_sloe.html others start adding lemons/spices/alcohol all I want is a way to preserve an inedible fruit and make it tasty! haha
DeleteMany thanks. :-)
DeleteI don't want autumn to be here.... but all the signs are here. Darker nights are most annoying. I've noticed this year that there are very few haws on the hawthorns in my garden and adjoining field. As a result I might not see any Fieldfares this year. Pigeons are scoffing the haws.
ReplyDelete