Embracing the season’s beauty
Autumn’s arrival has painted the trees in stunning shades. Acers, Liquidambar, Ash, and Oak are all ablaze with deep reds and oranges, while the Liriodendron and Gingko trees are just beginning to turn a brilliant yellow. Cyclamen, still in bloom, provide a final flourish of delicate beauty before the onset of winter.
Halloween has added a touch of festive warmth to proceedings, with vibrant displays of ornamental gourds, pumpkins, conkers, sweet chestnuts, and Physalis adorning the house. The garden, however, has already felt the sting of the first frost, which brought an end to the dahlias and many of the cut flowers. Despite this, chrysanthemums have remained resilient, continuing to bloom and brighten the landscape with their bold colours.
Halloween has added a touch of festive warmth to proceedings, with vibrant displays of ornamental gourds, pumpkins, conkers, sweet chestnuts, and Physalis adorning the house. The garden, however, has already felt the sting of the first frost, which brought an end to the dahlias and many of the cut flowers. Despite this, chrysanthemums have remained resilient, continuing to bloom and brighten the landscape with their bold colours.
October Rituals
Garden Maintenance
October has brought a vibrant shift in the garden as we ready ourselves for the cooler months ahead. Bulb planting is in full swing, with preparations for next year's cut flowers and Christmas displays of Paperwhites already underway. The yew hedges have been meticulously trimmed, and on drier days, the lawns are mown, though the persistent rain has often made that challenging. Leaf collecting has begun in earnest, with the rich bounty destined to become leaf mould that will nourish the soil.
October Table
Our Gardens Bountiful Harvest
Apple picking has been a highlight this month, a true team effort in gathering the varied harvest from the Millennium Orchard. Pitmaston Pineapple, Newton Wonder, Cox, and Annie Elizabeth apples have all contributed to this year’s apple juice production. Meanwhile, bed maintenance is in progress across the garden, with borders being cut back, weeded, and mulched in preparation for winter.
Recipe Idea: Spiced Apple Compote
Peel and chop a few of your favourite apples—like Cox or Newton Wonder. In a saucepan, combine the apples with a splash of water, a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a drizzle of honey or brown sugar. Simmer gently until the apples soften and break down, creating a warm, fragrant compote. Serve over porridge, pancakes, or enjoy on its own with a dollop of yogurt. Perfect for cozy autumn mornings.
Recipe Idea: Spiced Apple Compote
Peel and chop a few of your favourite apples—like Cox or Newton Wonder. In a saucepan, combine the apples with a splash of water, a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a drizzle of honey or brown sugar. Simmer gently until the apples soften and break down, creating a warm, fragrant compote. Serve over porridge, pancakes, or enjoy on its own with a dollop of yogurt. Perfect for cozy autumn mornings.
