I have been waiting for the subtle signs of Autumn. Waiting impatiently! And then, this morning, I noticed this leaf, among others, on the deciduous trees that border our fenceline. Its margin now defined by a rusty brown and its summery bright green changing to yellow, this leaf is a sure signal that Autumn has come. At last!
A beautiful Autumnal leaf.
I am so ready for Autumn for it is my favourite season of the year. I love its clear blue skies, crisp mornings, cooler temperatures, changing leaves and warming foods. And, I love that it's time to fill my main veggie bed with the seedlings I've been hesitant to plant before now. For, while the calendar signalled Autumn's arrival a couple of weeks ago, daytime temperatures here (above 30degrees C) suggested Summer was lingering on.
Some seedlings for Autumn planting.
My main veggie bed has been ready for a few weeks. I enriched the soil with compost, worm castings and cow manure before covering it all with a blanket of newspaper and lucerne mulch. I've watered it regularly so it has retained its moisture. Under its top layer, it is rich and moist and waiting for seedlings to nourish.
Waiting for seedlings!
Later today, in the fading light of an Autumnal afternoon, I will make little "pockets" in the mulch, break the newspaper layer, and carefully plant each seedling with a handful of compost for good measure. I'll water them in with seaweed solution and wait for them to grow.
More seedlings for our garden.
That wait will be well worth it. There is nothing more fresh and tasty than homegrown veggies from your own backyard. I am looking forward to our Autumn harvests very much indeed. It seems too that there will be some sweet and juicy fruit ready soon too. Just as those beautiful leaves are changing their colours, so too are the mandarins which are gradually ripening to what will be a vibrant orange.
Ripening mandarins on our tree.
Yes, I love Autumn. There is so much to look forward to! I hope you have much to look forward to from your Autumn days too.
Meg
I love autumn too! The more I am mindful of the seasons and the change each presents, I seem to love them more. I do love the beautiful autumn leaves colours. My girls and I will be out collecting them soon I think! Wishing you a lovely day. Elisa x
ReplyDeleteHi, Elisa. I am planning on collecting these leaves as they fall as they are a fantastic addition to my compost bin. I'd also like to try dipping autumn leaves in beeswax as I've seen garlands made this way. The colours seem to intensify and look so rich and beautiful! Thanks for visiting! Meg:)
DeleteIt has been so hot for so long hasn't it? There is something about autumn that makes me want to plant things too!
ReplyDeleteHi, Kate. It has been so hot! Great for swimming and the beach but I've been impatient for the time to plant in my garden. My seedlings are all in now. Hooray! What are you thinking of planting in your garden? Thanks for visiting! Meg
DeleteI'm with you Meg best season of them all. I have been waiting and waiting for the cooler weather to come,still 30 here today but I can feel the change is on it's way
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely the best, Fiona! My seedlings are in now, it's felt like a long wait! What is Autumn like in NZ?
DeleteAw, autumn, such a beautiful time of year. I have to admit though I am patiently waiting for spring to arrive here, and I am very much looking forward to it :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy all that time in your garden, so good for the soul.
Most definitely good for one's soul. There is something magical about planting a seed or seedling, carefully tucking it into the soil, watering it and then watching it grow. Being able to harvest food from the garden adds a whole other layer to that magic. Meg:)
DeleteI love Autumn too, but it is not a time for planting seedlings here its too cold :(. I am looking forward to it warming up enough to start sewing seeds.
ReplyDeleteSowing seeds and planting out seedlings are wonderful things to look forward to:) I planted a mixture of flowers and veggies and hope the end result will be like a feast for all the senses. Thanks for stopping by! Meg
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