We have also started digging the meadow over, in order give the annuals, like Poppy and Cornflower, a chance to take hold and give us more colour for next summer. The vigorous exercise helps to raise the spirits, as does the sense of enhancing the prospect of brighter times to come. This is a job that we missed out on last autumn, and again in spring, when lockdown reduced our activities. The meadow of summer 2020 therefore lacked the bright colours of the annuals, but was dominated by the white froth of Wild Carrot, and Yarrow – still lovely – we shall leave a corner undug, to let some of these more deep-rooted specimens be.
Autumn – a time for taking in the harvest, and preparing for the next year. This is the best crop that we have had from our Quince tree, since it was planted in spring 2016. The fruit has been shared amongst the garden volunteers, with apple pies and quince jelly in mind. A bird had also attempted to take its share, but did not make much impression on the hard, but fragrant, flesh. The buttery yellow colour becomes a lovely jewel-like orangey red, on cooking. Find out more about Quince, its myths, magic, and uses here.
Butter yellow seems to be the colour of the moment – repeated in many of the autumn leaves, including Ginkgo and Birch. These Ginkgo leaves are just past the ideal point for harvesting to make a medicinal tea. They contain compounds that stimulate blood circulation and improve brain function. If only I could remember this earlier in the year…
Many of the fallen leaves are already finding their way into the pond, and this seemed like a good time to borrow a pair of waders and dredge out some of the blanket weed, and dead plant material. This has been left at the edge of the pond to allow any water-borne creatures to find their way back in. There are plenty more leaves still to fall, however, and a lot of raking to look forward to in November.
The continuing generous support of local grant awarding organisations is helping us to complete our new volunteers’ building. Most recently, a cheque from the Inclosure Trust was very welcome after a year in which it has not been possible to run our usual fund raising events.
With the oak cladding nearly complete, windows and doors will now be fitted and our thoughts can turn to the fitting out of the toilet, kitchen and storage areas. With a fair wind, it should not be too long before volunteers can enjoy a brew on site and even wash up afterwards. A mixed hedge planted behind the new building has taken well and when hard surfaces and paths are completed, the whole area should look good.
The Bath House’s three wooden doors were treated to their annual lick of linseed oil this month as part of the regular maintenance of the building.
