Autumn thoughts

There is something calm and reassuring about the change of season from Autumn to Winter. You enjoy the last heady days of occasional sunshine and warmth (and appreciate them more). There is a comforting feeling as the nights draw in, a feeling of security, a ‘soft blanket cwch (hug in Welsh) when you close the curtains, wrap up with a hot drink and feel safely enclosed in the familiarity of home. No need to rush out for summer bbq’s or late night meetings. In fact, the only thing that is missing is some snow! (That would mean not ‘having’ to go out).

Doing battle with falling leaves started off as fun – an additional input of some strenuous (ish) exercise. Now, I think the leaves are winning – and they greatly outnumber me! Initially, the steady rake, pile, compost of these ‘droppings’ was pleasing. By a couple of days later, my garden does not look like I had even bothered. Now I sit and wish the last leaves off so I can complete my Autumn Tidy-Up.

My garden is more-or-less ready for winter. Have ‘Ronsealed’ (I know – not a real word!) the garden furniture but ran out of consecutive dry days to do the shed. Have made my windfall-branch-and-leaves hedgehog den by the compost with the hope I’ll see Twiggy (my short-legged hedgehog) next year. The loss of leaves has one negative impact, I can hear the traffic more clearly and the steady thumps of ongoing HS2 work.

Clearing the garden is a little like spring cleaning. As you sweep up leaves you collect together memories from this year, the highs, lows, laughter and ‘outdoor venting of frustration’ (post arguments). A clearing away of the old in preparation for a lull before renewal. Sleep (ie. Winter) is important for burying the past, for letting go and then preparing for new opportunities. What we need to be careful of is not digging it all up again in the Spring!