As October settles in, the air thickens with the promise of crisp mornings, and the garden takes on a mysterious, almost haunting quality. The once bright and bustling blooms of summer now fade, making way for a quieter, more subdued landscape. The shifting light casts long shadows across the garden, and the rustle of dry leaves underfoot adds an eerie sense of anticipation. It's a time of reflection and preparation, but also a time when the hidden, often unnoticed creatures of the night come into their own. While many gardeners focus on the more obvious wildlife that populates their green spaces during the day, October invites us to turn our attention to the nocturnal visitors those subtle, sometimes elusive creatures that thrive in the dark. For those of us who practice wildlife gardening, this season presents the perfect opportunity to celebrate these creatures bats, owls, spiders, and moths that often go overlooked, but are perfectly suited to the spooky Halloween atmosphere that lies ahead.
Bats
No creature symbolizes Halloween quite like the bat. These nocturnal mammals are the unsung heroes of the garden, devouring pests such as mosquitoes and moths by the hundreds each night.
October is an important month for bats as they prepare for hibernation. Their feeding frenzy is in full swing as they stock up on fat reserves for the winter ahead. If you want to encourage these fascinating creatures in your garden, consider installing a bat box before the colder months set in. These simple structures can offer them a safe place to roost. It’s also beneficial to avoid using pesticides, as this ensures a steady supply of insects for them to feed on.
I find there’s something wonderfully eerie about sitting in the garden at dusk and seeing the silhouette of a bat swooping through the air as a guardian of the night, silently keeping our gardens free from pests.
Venture outside this month for some spooky wildlife spotting!
If your lucky enough to see an Owl this season be sure to capture the moment.
While scary for many the humble garden spider is the perfect gardeners companion.
Spiders
For many, spiders evoke an immediate sense of fear or discomfort Yet, these eight-legged creatures are vital to maintaining balance in the garden In fact, October is one of the best times to observe them weaving their intricate webs, especially as dew collects on the threads, turning them into natural works of art shimmering in the crisp morning air
While spiders may be unsettling to some, their presence in the garden is beneficial They help control pests, from aphids to flies, ensuring that your garden’s ecosystem remains in balance If you come across a large orb web stretching between plants or a delicate cobweb draped across a flower bed, remember that these creatures are quietly working to protect your garden from pests They are the unseen caretakers of the night
Moths
Often overshadowed by their vibrant cous butterflies, moths are enigmatic creatures center stage in the nocturnal garden.
In the garden, moths are vital pollinators, for evening-blooming flowers like night-sce stock or jasmine. Their presence ensures th pollination continues long after the sun ha October, when many species are still activ great time to observe these ghostly figures among the late-blooming flowers.
To encourage moths in your garden, plan primrose or nicotiana, which release their scent at dusk, attracting these delicate cre There's something almost otherworldly abo watching a moth fluttering from flower to f bathed in the soft glow of the moon.
Hallowe garden
While Halloween ghosts, and things also an opportunit misunderstood cre By creating a welc owls, spiders, and biodiversity but als mystery of the natu prepare your gard appreciate the cre nights grow longe gentle light of the about wildlife gard at the world a little spookiest time of y
Cinnabar moths can be found most commnly in caterpillar form on ragwort.
Embrace the spooky season and venture into your gardens to admire natures beauty.
Happy Autumn everyone, though anyone that knows me will know I say that through gritted teeth Don’t get me wrong I love Autumn but I try to cling on to Summer for as long as I possibly can because I know I face a long winter ahead before experiencing the joys that spring brings. Any who, enough waffle from me, I am here to discuss my favourite quirky plants that everyone needs in their gardens for next year.
First up is my favourite plant of this year, Berkheya purpurea a very unusual plant that you can grow from seed in autumn. Its foliage is that of a thistle: a tight rosette of white/green fluffy and spiky leaves. Out of this rosette grows a stem equally spiky, fluffy looking like something out of Stranger Things, emerging with a cluster of flower buds at the tip. I absolutely love every stage of this flower’s display and even after the petals are long gone, the structure left behind is also fascinating.
@gardeneriddler
Next up is a plant you may have seen in bedding schemes but you may not have known its name, Ricinus communis or the Castor oil plant It’s an annual but it’s a glamorous one with brilliant purply red Acer like leaves The real show stopper is the bright red spiky balls that appear after flowering It’s a tropical plant and in its native environment it can grow to 8-12 metres but in our climate will only get to about 4-6 feet I am going to try and overwinter one as a houseplant this year because it’s not actually a true annual it just can’t survive our winter I’ll let you know how that one goes I have it in the garden at work growing in amongst big grasses and some Phlox, Geraniums, Crocosmia and Cardoons
Anyone who has followed me for a while will know one of my favourite plants in my garden is the absolute beast of a plant Tetrapanax paprifer ‘Rex’ or chinese rice paper plant I know what you are going to say, they’re huge I can’t fit one of those in my garden Yes, they are huge but they get checked every winter so they never get to their true size, are are the size of a large shrub like a mature Camelia or a Viburnum and nobody hesitates to put one of those in It is an absolute superstar of a plant and I guarantee will be the first thing any visitors to your garden talk about, the leaves are ginormous matte green leaves that are velvet to touch It really does look like something out of a jungle or even the age of the dinosaurs
Berkheya purpurea
Ricinus communis
Tetrapanax paprifer
Athyrium filix-femina
Next up is a very recent edition to my garden Athyrium filix-femina ‘Frizelliae’ It’s a fern but one you won’t find in most garden centres, this one I found in a local fern nursery It has very narrow, spiralled leaves that are serrated along the edge It’s extremely unusual looking and an awesome addition to a shady corner.
Last up is a plant genus every one has heard of but a variety you may not of done, Geranium palmatum the Canary island Geranium. It’s like no geranium you have ever seen, I have grown it very successfully from seed in autumn and it will flower the following summer. A striking plant that can get to a metre wide by a meter high with gorgeous pink flowers borne on red stems above the rest of the plant After the petals are gone you are left with the large cranes bill type structure that also adds interest The leaves are divided, palmate and almost glossy which is unlike other geraniums My absolute favourite geranium and looks epic amongst Rudbeckia, Kniphofia and Salvia
So there you go five quirky plants that you can add to your garden to really get people to stop and stare and for you to fall in love with just like I have Three that you can definitely grow from seed, two of those the Berkheya and the Geranium that you can sow now So for a few pounds you can add a bit of wow factor to your growing space.
Geranium palmatum contrasting beautifully amongst the Rudbeckia
Geranium palmatum
As autumn gently sweeps in, it wraps world in a tapestry of golds, oranges deep crimson hues The crisp air, the crunch of fallen leaves beneath your and the soft, diffused light that spills through the trees, create an enchanti backdrop for garden photography. T something truly magical about this time of year, as gardens transform into quiet havens of beauty, inviting us to capture their fleeting splendor. Whether you ’ re a seasoned photographer or someone who loves to document nature’s wonders, autumn offers endless inspiration. With just the right techniques, you can preserve the essence of this season in every photo you take each image filled with the warmth, richness, and charm that only autumn can bring Let these tips guide you in celebrating the season ’ s beauty through your lens, turning your autumn garden into a vibrant, whimsical photo gallery
The settings and equipment mentioned below are a guide to help you hone in on what works for specific subjects and focal lengths, they can be adjusted to suit your specific conditions Enjoy!
Sunset Silhouettes
Settings: Aperture priority, f/11, ISO 100, spot metering.
Capture silhouetted trees or people against an autumn sunset for dramatic effect.
2
Silky Spider Webs
Settings: Aperture priority, f/5 6, ISO 400, macro lens
Focus on spider webs covered in dew for intricate autumn details
4
Golden Hour Glow
Settings: Aperture priority, f/4-f/8, ISO 100, shutter speed 1/200 sec or faster
Capture the warm tones of sunrise or sunset during autumn for soft, glowing light
3
Backlit Beauty
Settings: Aperture priority, f/4, ISO 200, spot metering
Position the sun behind translucent leaves or seed heads to make them glow and highlight their details
5
Underexpose Slightly
Settings: Aperture priority, f/5 6, ISO 200, exposure compensation -1/3 EV
Underexpose slightly to preserve rich autumn colours and avoid blowing out highlights
7
Lead by Lines
Settings: Aperture priority, f/8-f/11, ISO 100.
Use paths or garden borders as leading lines to guide the viewer's eye through an autumn landscape
First Frost
Settings: Manual mode, f/11, ISO 400, shutter speed 1/250 sec
8
Softly Overcast
Settings: Aperture priority, f/8, ISO 100-200.
Photograph early morning frost on leaves, flowers, or grass to highlight their delicate details.
Cloudy days offer soft, even lighting, perfect for capturing the muted tones of autumn without harsh shadows
Striking 'Shrooms
Settings: Aperture priority, f/4, ISO 200, macro lens.
Get close to autumn fungi with a macro lens to capture their intricate textures and shapes.
Fog and mist are common in autumn and the soft, diffused light add a mystical atmosphere which create dreamy, ethereal scenes
Wild
Friends
Settings: Shutter priority, 1/500 sec, ISO 400-800, telephoto lens
Capture wildlife preparing for winter, such as birds or squirrels gathering food
Colour Contrast
Settings: Aperture priority, f/8, ISO 100
Look for contrasting colours like yellow leaves against a blue sky to create vibrant, eye-catching images
Fallen Raindrops
Settings: Aperture priority, f/5.6, ISO 400, macro lens.
After a rain, focus on droplets on leaves or plants to capture their reflective beauty.
Human Touch
Settings: Aperture priority, f/5.6, ISO 400.
Include people raking leaves, planting bulbs, or simply enjoying the autumn scenery for a lifestyle vibe.
Delicate Details
Settings: Aperture priority, f/4, ISO 200, macro lens.
Capture close-ups of autumn details, like veins on leaves or the texture of bark
Frame with Branches
Settings: Aperture priority, f/5 6-f/8, ISO 100.
Use overhanging branches, either bare or with colourful autumn leaves to frame scenes and add depth
Seed Pod Secrets
Settings: Aperture priority, f/4-f/5 6, ISO 200, macro lens
Focus on the intricate designs of autumn seed pods or berries to show their texture
Harvest Scenes
Settings: Aperture priority, f/8, ISO 100
Capture baskets of autumn harvests like pumpkins, apples, or squash to showcase the season ’ s abundance
Use a shallow depth of field to make one element, like a single leaf or flower, stand out sharply against a blurred background 19
Play with Depth
Settings: Aperture priority, f/2.8-f/4, ISO 100.
20
Overgrown Goodness
Settings: Aperture priority, f/8-f/11, ISO 200
Show how autumn plants and flowers begin to fade and overgrow, adding a sense of wildness to the scene
As the last leaves tumble and the days grow shorter, the magic of autumn quietly begins to fade. But with your camera in hand, the fleeting moments of this season can live on forever in the beautiful images you ’ ve created. Each photo is a celebration of nature’s rhythm, from the soft glow of golden hour to the playful dance of falling leaves. Let your garden be your muse, and don’t be afraid to explore its every nook and cranny autumn has a way of revealing hidden beauty in the simplest details. So, as you step into your garden, remember to capture the stories this season whispers rich textures, bold colours, and the serene stillness of nature preparing for rest With these tips, your autumn garden photography will not only preserve the moment but create memories as warm and inviting as the season itself
The giant Indian snake bean or as it is known in botanical nomenclature ‘Trichosanthes Cucumerina subsp. Anguina’ is technically a gourd but is often also referred to as a bean. Originating from China, but popularly grown and consumed in India, this unusual gourd is a popular ingredient in curry dishes, but can also be eaten raw in a salad, added to a stir fry or battered to make pakora. The taste is like a delicate, fleshy green bean with a hint of cucumber flavour. The sticky flesh encasing the seeds once the gourd is fully ripe can also be made into a delicious paste.
The plants have beautiful, white flowers with a pentamerous, lacy structure reminiscent of a star jasmine flower with a frilly skirt They are unusually scented, more so at night, with a musky perfume which some say reminds them of popcorn This scent is thought to attract night moths which are the primary natural pollinator
This plant has so much to offer but is rarely found in the UK and perhaps a little tricky to grow in our climate, preferring warmer weather Having never grown it before but being intrigued by its culinary promise and beauty, I decided to order a few seed packets from Baker Creek Seeds and see if any of my friends fancied joining in Strongly encouraged by friends in the Instagram community, I helped people to source seeds and did a sowalong/growalong in the spring
Over 60 people ordered seeds, participants joined in from Mexico to Shanghai, some in Europe and more all over the UK. The first seeds were sown on the 28th of February, and a second sowing followed on the 28th of March. The stubborn seeds took their time raising their little heads from the compost, but many snake charmers succeeded. The plants were nurtured for some months before we could plant them out, and the cold June we experienced this year hit some of the plants hard. Those under glass seemed to cope better.
The quest for the first flower began, the males appeared one by one and eventually the females showed up, fashionably late and even fewer in number Growers swapped tips on pollination techniques and, not being 100% confident in moths reaching my greenhouse, I began hand pollinating with a paintbrush Finally, a few snake beans started to grow My friend Diana (@good life garden) beat me to it, and with a few ripe beans to choose from she kindly gave me one of the ripe beans to try out I found a few online recipes involving snake beans which I adapted further When I harvested my own snake bean, I made some final tweaks and now I would highly recommend it!
I entered the first mature snake bean from my own plant into a local village show in the ‘harvest basket’ category on the 1st of September (we came away with a third prize in that category). Of course they didn’t have a category for a snake bean! Perhaps, however, we have succeeded with our #snakealong in getting the word out there about this fascinating vegetable, will you join in next year?
@the spencers at plot 13
By Kathryn Rhodes @kathryn grows stuff
One large snake bean, peeled and deseeded, chopped into1cm pieces (around 200g)
300g ripe tomatoes chopped into 1cm pieces (seeds removed)
1 chopped red chilli
400ml water
½ tsp salt
200g creamed coconut (grated)
3 crushed garlic cloves
6 curry leaves chopped
1 tsp chilli powder
½ tsp fennel seeds, crushed ½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp tamarind paste
1 Add the chopped snake bean, chopped tomato and chopped chilli to a heavy bottomed saucepan and add 360ml of water Bring this to the boil and add half a tsp of salt and the curry leaves Boil for about 20 minutes adding a splash of water if it dries out
2 Meanwhile, add the grated coconut, garlic and dry spices to a blender with around 40mls of water, blend to a paste After the 20 minutes are up, add the paste to the pot and simmer for 10 more minutes
3 Add the ½ tsp of tamarind paste and then reduce until it is a nice thick curry consistency
4 Serve with rice.
(NOTE – if you don’t want to grate/blend the block of creamed coconut you could melt it and add the spices to it to make a paste. You can also add extras to this curry, e.g. potatoes, chickpeas, cooked lentils, spinach. If using chicken, I would cook it before adding. King prawns would work nicely with the flavours, adding them at the end as you reduce the sauce)
Baby Snake Bean plants waiting to be planted.
No, I’m not inviting you to partake in that Great British pastime (and cure all) of drinking tea, this is the title of the Terry Gilmour’s (aka @the cockney gardener) show garden at BBC Gardener’s world Autumn fair.
The perfect place for a spot of tea. A fantastic use of colour and textures to provide a beautful border.
This garden has caused something of a stir; scooping a welldeserved Silver Merit award from the judges plus the coveted ‘People’s Choice Award’ to boot
The planting is a fusion (or should that be an infusion?) of edible ornamentals, the perfect space to imbibe tea for two, and I am informed by Terry that every plant in the space can be taken as tea This frankly surprises me Many of the plants are familiar tea making plants, such as camomile and lemon balm, while others (more to be be revealed about these later) I would never have dreamed could make a brew
I’m not a traditional ‘tea’ drinker myself, as I don’t tolerate caffeine at all. Over the past thirty years I’ve started to fancy myself as a bit of a connoisseur of the high street and boutique tea establishment’s herbal tea assortments. But this garden offers tea drinking on a whole new, florally infusive level that I’m keen to explore, and Terry, who demonstrates an extensive knowledge of the plants and their properties, is eager to indulge my curiosity.
By Kim O’Brien @dahliafarmerama
The garden’s borders, as I said, are packed with an assortment of flowering plants, all of which are suitable for drinking as a tea. There’s the usual suspects, including peppermint and echinacea, familiar staples in my kitchen cupboard of herbal tea sachets, but I’m genuinely surprised by others and even sceptical when I spy dahlias I mean, really? Dahlia tea? I’m excited by this revelation and at the same time, I’m maddened that in 24 years of dahlia growing I didn’t know this was possible
Have you ever seen so many teas?
When it comes to dahlia growing (and eating), I think I know my stuff and I am truly speechless to discover that dahlias are a drinkable commodity Terry explains that there is more to the dahlia tea than for the other flowers too (I knew dahlias would have a quirk!) Unlike the other flowers, dahlias release their petal colour into the water as they brew and hearing this delights and fills me with an excitement to try this for myself at the earliest opportunity.
After dahlias, my second biggest connection to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the past 3 years have been the Chrysanthemums floral exhibits, and I’m thrilled to see that these amazing flowers have also made it into Terry’s curated tea collection. Is it the leaves or the flowers that make the tea? I wonder. Terry informs me that it’s the flowers
In addition to the fresh flowers, Terry takes his passion a step further, with his apothecary of dried leaves and flower heads, some full, others chopped or ground
These wait eagerly in glass jars for oils, flavours and properties into on tea cups that nestle in anticipation a why he loves making his own tea so it’s the cheapness; buying the plant compares very favourably with som be very expensive He tells me he f rewarding.
Brewing up the perfect drink for some gardening.
Stevia
As well as saving money, and tasting good, Terry explains the health benefits of drinking herbal garden teas In his collection, there are teas for anxiety such as lemon balm; echinacea for colds and flu; and for sleep enrichment there is chamomile. Dahlias, I am informed are great for boosting immunity and the fact that these incredible flowers help to keep you feeling good comes as no surprise. Chrysanthemums I am told have a similar taste and similar properties to Chamomile but with an extra ‘boost’.
Terry is really passionate about encouraging people to grow their own plants for tea making. His show garden is 3 square meters, and he insists this space holds a comprehensive tea collection. This is something everyone could do no matter how small their growing space and most of these plants would do well growing in pots too so a patio or a balcony could easily be dedicated to a tea growing project such as this
The plants can be used fresh, but Terry prefers to dry everything as it preserves so much better and can be stored it for a year round supply The most amazing plant of all, is the Stevia Terry breaks off a leaf and invites me to chew it The moment it touches my lips, the sweetness is incredible This plant is 50-300 times sweeter than sugar and for anyone who likes their tea sweetened, this is the addition for you Dried and powdered, this can be added to the dahlia tea, which I’m told isn’t quite as palatable without it This is another flavour I resolve to try at my leisure
Terry’s garden reminds me of the medieval physic gardens, steeped in history and medicinal use, and not only is it flavourful on the tastbuds, it’s equally delicious on the eyes too. He leads me down the path to the seat at the end of the garden, takes down a glass jar from the shelf and asks ‘fancy a cuppa?’ Oh go on then. Surrounded by so much beauty, flavour and health benefits, how can I possibly refuse?
Joe Swift and Terry
A spot of Chamomile of tea anyone?
I don’t remember much about my grandparents; they passed when I was doing my A levels and I am now old. But I do remember that when neighbours asked “What are you going to do with all that?” my grandma would retort “There’s no such thing as a glut, just a lack of planning!”
I feel very much the same way, with one limitation: freezer space. A lack of freezer space has been the bane of my ‘making-all-thefood-from-scratch' existence I don’t have a massive chest freezer like the American homesteaders all seem to have I don’t have oodles of space for cold storage I don’t particularly have a large kitchen at all, in fact it’s a one person only kitchen; two would be a severe hindrance With that in mind, not long after I got my allotment, I realised that I was going to have to get inventive with food storage which meant research
Four years on and now I dehydrate, pickle, jam, can (water bath and pressure, because I’m not scared of them exploding) and I’m learning all about fermenting as well The last one TheNotAllotmentDad would prefer didn’t happen so much: I’ve found that kombucha will explode your glass bottles if you ’ re not so careful, and the clean-up is nasty!
It is one of my obsessions now to find ways that extend the life of our produce So, when I finally met one of my local Instagram buddies, who happens to be very experienced in food preservation (I would say expert but I think Carol would tell me off!) and she offers demonstrations on the subject you book up quick and go ready to learn!
The subject was apples, and I did not know anywhere near enough about what you can do with this humble fruit Did you know you can ferment them whole? That you can make apple brandy from them with nothing but sultanas, sugar and time? That you can jar up apple pie filling and can it in the oven? Neither did I until today, but I do now and will be definitely having a go at all of the above.
I have had my slow cooker going today with apples for applesauce (not the put with pork type, but rather the semi smooth compote type that French people like with yoghurt) and the scraps are all bagged up in the fridge whilst water filters overnight: this will be the year that I manage my own Apple Cider Vinegar, thanks to Carols advice And if I can get my hands on a rhumtopf jar soon there will be apple brandy hopefully ready for Easter delicious!
Next, hopefully, will be tomato preserving, beans, herbs and the eternal hunt for more jar space! Onwards and upwards!
NB: thank you Carol and Eliza from @romseycropswapshop for the amazing demonstration and tasters!
@theallotmentmum The perfect
Carol and Eliza giving
So many apples and so much to take.
Check out Romsey Crop Swap Shop
When I first looked into natural dyeing I became somewhat apprehensive There was a lot of new terminology to navigate: scouring, mordanting, modifiers, PH levels I didn’t have a clue where to begin so I put off my explorations. Then lockdown happened and briefly my classroom was in my home, my students in theirs, and we discovered together the joy of making dye with things from our kitchens. Then I dived deeper: reading books, blogs, listening to podcasts, eve g workshops with Roz Humphries (The Natural Dyeworks) and Zoe Burt (at Morley College).
I have discovered a deep love for natural dye and both my garden and creative practise have become intertwined Each year since 2020, I’ve built it into my teaching practise as well and watched it spark the interest of my young students Now it’s your turn Each month we will explore processes tied to the seasons, learning how to source, prepare and dye with a range of different plants Autumn is a lovely place to start as we can tackle one of those dye terms, mordanting, by foraging a seasonal and natural mordant source, oak galls Although we should perhaps touch on another term first, scouring
Scouring simply means cleaning your fabric It is a little different from chucking a wash on, you are trying to remove any oils or impurities from the surface of the fibre to make sure you get an even colour when dyeing You can do this by washing with soda ash or a neutral laundry soap in the washing machine, or you can heat it on the stove if you would prefer There are also a few tools that I would recommend to get you started and it is important that you keep these separate from your cooking ones!
By Claire Platt @plot67
You also need to consider the type of fibre that you would like to work with. Natural dye processes only work with natural fabrics, not synthetic fabrics. You can choose to work with protein fibres (such as silk or wool) or cellulose fibres (such as cotton, linen and hemp). I like to try to source my materials sustainably, so I often hunt through car boot sales or charity shops for things like 100% cotton bed sheets, but fibre choice is entirely up to you. I’ll be using an old vintage cotton bedsheet for my projects with you and I’ll guide you through if I stray from that
So, finally, we ’ ve got to it, mordanting Mordanting is a very important, pre dyeing, step It is what helps the dye to attach itself to the fabric, helps you achieve bright colours and aids the colour fastness of your fabric after dyeing There are of course many methods and things you can use for mordanting fabric such as alum, copper, or iron You could also explore pre-treating your fabric with soya milk The latter is not quite the same as mordanting but is perhaps more accessible Natural dyer and author Rebecca Desnos has some great instructions if you are looking to try it For our mordant we are going to use a natural source, oak galls, which will work best with cellulose fibres I am using cotton for mine
Botanical Hues
The recipe below uses 100g oak galls and 500g cotton fabric - you can adjust the ratio to suit your project
Step 1 - Gather around 100g of oak galls - there should be ample supply under oak trees at this time of year
Step 2 - Wet your fabric (ideally leaving it to soak overnight). Note: I cut my fabric into smaller pieces rather than one big piece of fabric - it makes it easier to move it about when soaking, mordanting and dyeing.
Step 3 - Simmer the oak galls in 5 litres of water for 1 hour, then leave to cool overnight
Step 4 - Strain the oak galls* and add your wetted fibre to the pan Top up the pan to around 10 litres of water, leave the fibres in for 24 hours
Step 5 - Rinse, dye and store your fibres ready for future dye projects
*you can dry the oak galls at this stage and store them to be reused You will know when they are no longer usable as the fabric will not colour when submerged
It may seem like a lot of fabric at this stage but it is a good idea to mordant in big batches as once you have done it, you can store them until needed. I would recommend labelling them in some way when storing, as in several months you may not remember what you mordanted, and if using different mordants, such as alum, they do not colour the fabric so it can be quite tricky to tell. Next month we will use our mordanted fabrics to create our first dye bath!
Equipment you will need
Pan with lid (I have a 10 and 5 litre pan for dyeing)
Spoons
Measuring jugs
Sieve
Scales (you can use your normal ones, these won’t get dye on)
Rubber gloves
Apron
Grab your strips of fabric and get dipping
Photo Credit: Anjee Harisson
DIY Spiderwebs
Looking for an easy way to get outside and do some spooky craft this month without the plastic or the price tag?
Try heading out for a walk to collect some fallen twigs and dig out that wool stash to make this easy but satisfying spiderweb decoration. Its perfect for Halloween or just as a fun autumn project
You could hang them in trees, in windows or even string a few together to make some spooky bunting.
You will need:
Twigs
Wool or string
Scissors
Arrange three twigs in a star shape as shown.
Use a small length of yarn to tie the centres together.
Tie a longer piece of yarn to the centre and start to srap it around each twig in a spiral.
Contine until your web is complete and tie the end of the string to one of the twigs.
Heather, also known as ling from the Old Norse word ' ‘lyng’ or ‘fraoch’ in the Celtic language of Gaelic, is everywhere in autumn Adding colour to moors, woodland and even bogs Historically heather was harvested to make thatch, rope and yellow dye for clothing Witches' brooms and besoms were made from bundles of the plant too and it's Latin name “calluna” actually means to sweep Witches were also said to fly over patches of wild heather on All Hallows Eve with their cats
Carrying sprigs of heather at night was believed to attract spectres and one of many Scottish myths surrounding this shrub claims that a beautiful ghost visiting a prince on Halloween night asked him to make her a bed of heather, then courteously leave her alone. Traditionally it was used to fill mattresses because of its natural aroma when dried. The prince obliged and his actions broke her curse. She was revealed to be his dead lover and was brought back to life.
White heather in particular is rarely found growing wild and has a very strong connection with fairies. As it is said to mark their final resting places. Another Scottish legend suggests that it was originally created by Malvina, the daughter of the Celtic bard Ossian, who was engaged to a warrior called Oscar After he was tragically killed in battle Malvina was given a bunch of purple heather as a final token of his undying love for her Which immediately caused her to cry As her tears of grief fell onto the flowers they began to change colour She then declared that despite it being a symbol of her sorrow white heather would now bring good fortune to all who found it
Whilst purple heather is much easier to come by it is often associated with bloodshed Folklore tells of a Viking ruler who defeated a Pictish army, slaughtering everyone but the King and his son, and then demanded that they reveal the secret recipe of heather ale to him in exchange for their lives This was an alcoholic beverage produced from heather flowers and twigs along with hops and other forgeable herbs. The pair of Picts were tortured on a cliff top until the King begged for mercy, offering to provide the instructions for crafting the drink if they gave his child a quick death. Insisting that his son would never allow the secrets of the ale to be shared. So the Vikings obliged and pushed the King’s son over the edge. However, the conquered King began to laugh. His trick had worked and he told the Vikings that his son may have been willing to part with the information after all, for the right price, but he would not With that he ran to the ledge and jumped Taking the recipe to his grave and, in some versions of the story, dragging the ruler of the Vikings down onto the rocks with him
Heather is an incredible plant for pollinators A study conducted in Belgium found that over forty species of insect could live and feed on heather shrubs Including bees, butterflies, wasps and ants It is extremely hardy with a lifespan of over thirty years @
Woeful Wild Pansy
Also known as violets or viola these small but sweet smelling wildflowers get their common name from the Greek nymph Io One of the many, and frequently unfortunate, lovers of Zeus When Hera discovered their affair Io was transformed into a white cow to hide her away, leaving her to eat grass for the rest of her life She was heartbroken and as she wept Zeus turned her field into a meadow full of violas out of pity To give her a sweet treat now she was trapped in farm animal form A fate worse than death perhaps?
To the Greeks and Romans violets became synonymous with mourning and the Underworld. This connection may have begun with Persephone. In some versions of the classic fable it was violets that Demeter’s daughter was picking in the Vale of Nysa when she was abducted by Hades and taken down to his kingdom. Alternately this relationship with doom might be due to the myth of Attis, lover of Cybele, whose blood was believed to have formed the first of these flowers after he took his own life. There is evidence to suggest that violets were used as offerings during Roman festivals of rebirth as a representation of grief and tragic loss of life too They were also scattered around tombs at this time Especially on the graves of children due to their association with innocence
Similarly in the Baltic regions, gods like Poklius and Patulas, deities of darkness and death much like Hades, were also admirers of the viola With Patulas in particular being depicted wearing wreaths of them when he skulked about at night with the head of a dead man in place of his own
‘Love-in-idleness’ was famously used by Puck in Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ to create a love potion so powerful that two of the characters who had been subjected to it tried to murder one another.
Other magical abilities of ‘heatsease’ or ‘three-faces-in-ahood’ include protection from evil if grown near the front door and to ward off nightmares. Just pop it beneath a pillow. Worth remembering during Samhain when the veil between the realms of the living and the dead is at its weakest.
Viola ‘tricolor’ are tremendously easy going Self-seeding vigorously and establishing themselves in most parts of the garden without a fuss They provide food for long-tongued bees and can be a host plant for Queen of Spain Fritillary caterpillars
A charity is offering to help communities get more allotments in their local area Green Allotments charity has a mission to create new allotment sites The charity works by buying land so that local people can get started with ‘ grow your own ’
If you have been dreaming of a space to grow your own food, relax and enjoy some fresh air then the charity wants to hear from you “We are offering to buy land for two new allotment sites” says Dr Deborah Burn of Green Allotments who wants to hear from local communities “Tell us about land in your area which is suitable for allotments and why your community deserves to win”
Allotment waiting lists are sky high, council rents are rising all the time, and for many people an allotment is years away and out of their price range. “We are stepping in to create new allotments in areas where people want them. Whether you are an urban or rural community” says Deborah. There will be two winning communities, with the competition open to communities in England and Wales.
“We believe this is the first time new allotment sites have been offered as prizes by a charity” says Deborah, who has over 20 year ’ s experience working nationally as an allotment policy specialist The charity, which is funded by private donors, t esses that it does not make a profit, because plot rents are invested into the new allotment sites And for the winning mmunities, Green Allotments provides tips, training, support nd mentoring Council planning regulations will be complied th when the charity creates the two new allotment sites.
reen Allotments Trustee Angus Hanton, who has over 30 ar ’ s experience of buying land, says this is a more secure ay to provide and protect allotments. “We see too many mes, allotment sites being sold for development. Allotment ardeners are always under threat of all their hard work going waste. Our approach is to secure land by purchase or onation, this empowers local communities and enables people grow their own food, as well as alleviating council waiting ts for allotments.”
reen Allotments mission is to creates new, not-for-profit, ivate allotment sites for local communities The charity is llowing in a long tradition of privately provided non-profit otment sites Central to the charity’s mission is sustainable ardening practices for the benefit of the environment and utting the gardeners in charge’ of their allotment site for the enefit of the local community
ll Terms & Conditions and entry forms are available on the Green Allotments website
Photo Credit: Green Allotments
Photo Credit: Kerry Tomlinson
By Kerry Tomlinson
JJ took one last glance over the map before we convoyed to the base of Snowdon. With Jen driving the girls, and Eminem as our soundtrack, we admired the gorgeous Welsh scenery whilst the sun rose through the mountains. Once we had all experienced the finest portaloos of the car park (there are simply no words for that part!), we crossed the rail track and began our hike up the west side of the mountain. The weather was unexpectedly glorious and the sun beat down on us as we ascended We walked past streams and sheep on the mountain side and enjoyed the views as we went on our way
The path became steeper and rockier, our fitness was soon to be tested Climbing up large, unstable boulders and rocks was to be the rest of our hike path It was then that we realised the intensity of the challenge we had signed up for You are warned about how unpredictable the mountain can be and that was certainly true for us Glorious hot sunshine soon turned into fog and rain as we hit the clouds You are open to the elements at all times with nowhere to shelter Visibility was reduced and the team stayed together throughout the hike.
@lottie thyme
Photo Credit: Kerry Tomlinson
Photo Credit: Kerry Tomlinson
p p human. As we reached each new peak, another revealed itself through the fog. It felt like the mountain was growing right in front of our eyes, taunting us with its enormity, making its presence known An injury to Bish caused concern but he trooped on with the hike, with Tori and him setting the pace, determined that nothing would prevent him from reaching the summit We crossed the rail track and knew the goal of our hike was in reach We emerged through the clouds, back into the sunshine, and could see the skyline and the trigpoint to the East The top of the mountain was a bustling hive of activity The hike routes all merged to one and everyone continued towards the summit
As we approached the steps for the trig, the winds picked up speed, blowing a gale at us, nearly taking Kelly off her feet This is when being scared of heights is not ideal, eh, Richie?! It was finally our turn to place our hands on the trigpoint. Nine gardeners and one Monty pup, who all met via Instagram, united in our cause, placed a hand each on the compass and celebrated our victory; it was the most magical moment.
We stocked up with sugary snacks and drinks and had a picnic at the top of Snowdon with the skyline as our backdrop. Sat above the clouds, we basked in the sun whilst the reality set in of what we had just achieved. It felt like we were in the eye of a storm sat at the top of Snowdon, the elements that had been thrown at us eased up and we were able to enjoy each other's company. The clouds rolled beneath us, revealing more of the mountain and then covering it again Lee left a sweet gift hidden in the cafe, a copy of his book with a message inside, for a child to find and bring back home
The descent was not as kind as the climb, a lack of drive and adrenalin changed the nature of the return journey More injuries took the team including myself, but a cold, refreshing dip in the lake was our sweet reward for hiking from sunrise to sunset
Photo Credit: Kerry Tomlinson
Photo Credit: Kerry Tomlinson
Photo Credit: Kerry Tomlinson
Photo Credit: Kerry Tomlinson
Hear from each of the hikers about this epic journey
Wow, what can I say except how blown away I am with all of the amazing donations and well wishes we have received This was my third challenge and it was the most enjoyable by far The collective strength of the group pulled us up that mountain and we made memories and connections that will last a lifetime Now it’s time to plan for a bigger challenge in 2025
What an experience! The positivity of 9 people coming together with the generosity of the public, has created an opportunity to bring horticulture and wildlife to potentially 1000's of primary school children. How amazing is that?
Spending the weekend with great friends was also a bonus, as was sampling some of the best outdoor cooking by our very own Rich Grylls! It's an experience I'll never forget
Bish & JJ
I’ve climbed a few mountains in my time but climbing Mount Snowdon this time round was certainly one of the hardest yet one of the most enjoyable hikes I’ve done Gaining all the donations made it very fulfilling As a group we all bonded as friends, which for me, made the whole experience far more valuable.
Our third annual hike challenge has been our best by far, we have made friends for life and raised an incredible amount of money which will make such an impact for the future of gardening, sustainability and will educate the next generation about the importance of growing your own!
This challenge has made me so proud both individually and collectively, and I’ve got a new found love for hiking and an amazing group of friends who shared the experience with us
Photo Credit: Kerry Tomlinson
The Snowden hike was a challenge I’ll never forget, not just for the breathtaking views or the physical effort it required, but for the incredible sense of camaraderie that made the whole experience so much more meaningful Standing at the base of the mountain, looking up at the path ahead, I knew this would test me, but I also knew I wasn’t alone Surrounded by good friends, people I’ve shared laughter and hard work with in the gardening community, made the entire journey feel less daunting Every step was a reminder of the power of togetherness.
The Bearded Growers, were the heartbeat of this initiative. They're not just two guys who grow plants, they grow community, support, and hope. Their dedication, humor, and sheer determination turned what could have been a tough, lonely trek into an uplifting, unforgettable experience. Every time the climb got tough, there was someone with an encouraging word or a joke that lifted the spirits of the group. It wasn’t just a hike, it was a collective effort, proof of what we can achieve when we work together. But this hike wasn’t just about reaching the summit. It was about raising money to make a real difference in the lives of children The donations collected will go a long way in supporting school gardening programs aimed at improving the lives of kids in need From providing educational resources to supporting the teachers that lead, the impact will be profound
When you know that every step is helping to create opportunities for children, opening doors to brighter futures, and giving them the tools they need to thrive, it doesn’t just motivate you It fills you with a sense of purpose And it makes the success of the Snowden hike even sweeter, knowing that together, we ’ ve planted the seeds for real change In the end, it wasn’t just about summiting a mountain It was about proving what a community, united by a common goal, can achieve Thanks to The Bearded Growers and everyone who supported the hike, countless children now have a better chance at a brighter future And that’s a victory we can all celebrate
I don't know how I even begin to sum up this whole experience. It's been an epic whirlwind since day dot: from that first day when the Bearded duo surprised me live on air at the studio by asking me to join them, to all of us placing our hands (and paw) on the trigpoint at the summit
Our hike team grew as momentum picked up and we have become such friends off the back of this
The gardening community have also shown such huge support for our cause along the way by helping us spread the word and donating prizes to our giveaway I am blown away by the generosity of all the people who donated - you guys made our goal a reality
I want to say the biggest thank you to the hike team for looking after me on the way down the mountain A weak knee made the descent very challenging and it got the better of me at one point, stopping me and reducing me to tears. The gang scooped me up, strapped my leg up and made sure I could see the challenge through to the end. I have never taken on a physical challenge like this, one that is so relentless. It pushed my body to its maximum capability and it buckled under that pressure.
So thank you to the best hike squad ever, for having my back, for staying with me and for putting a smile back on my face x
(P.s. She may not be able to grow a radish…but she glows like one!)
Kerry
Photo Credit: Kerry Tomlinson
Photo Credit: Kerry Tomlinson
I was delighted to be chosen for part of the Hike Squad, even though secretly I think it was very much helped by Monty Dog joining me!
The School Garden Success project completely appealed to me. Not only do I have an 8 year old that has been with me on the allotment for the past four years but I also have a business that supports early development for babies, toddlers and preschoolers so it was something that combined both my passions!
The whole team were amazing; so supportive and welcoming I couldn't have wished for better people to enjoy the challenge with The chatter and laughter never stopped We propped each other up the whole way up and then down again It was incredible to see everyone's journey, some found it physically challenging, others found it challenging in different ways It pushed each of us out of our comfort zone in one way or another but we met those barriers head on
Jen Monty &
Being just a small part of creating the next wave of young gardeners is an incredible feeling. Creating horticultural opportunities for young people to change the narrative around growing and this being part of their education is just incredible. I know I have only played such a small part of this process, but as we learnt, with every small step you have eventually climbed a mountain.
Bring on the next adventure!
What an unforgettable and heartwarming adventure that was and it’s all down to the the Bearded Growers for making it happen!
We didn’t just conquer Snowdon – we did it for an incredible cause: helping bring gardening into schools, giving children the chance to connect with nature, and learn valuable skills.
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of everyone who donated, we didn’t just hit our target – we surpassed it! Here’s to making a difference together!
This experience was about so much more than the climb I’ve met some truly amazing people who turned this adventure into something unforgettable
From the constant smiles and waves, to the way we supported and encouraged each other every step of the way; these new friendships made it all the more special There was laughter, shared challenges, and so much positivity
I’m left feeling incredibly grateful for the kindness, friendship, and memories that came from that weekend
An emotional team moment at the trig point.
Photo Credit: Kerry Tomlinson
Photo Credit: Kerry Tomlinson
I embarked on an unforgettable adventure hiking up Snowdon with a group of nine garden enthusiasts, all united by a common goal: to raise funds for a remarkable charity dedicated to implementing gardens in primary schools. This initiative resonates deeply with my passion for sustainable living and being at one with nature.
Having never met these incredible individuals before, I was excited yet slightly apprehensive about the day ahead. However, from the moment we set off, any nerves melted away as we bonded over our shared passion for gardening and the cause that brought us together. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter, encouragement, and the excitement of what lay ahead
Throughout the hike, we supported one another, offering words of encouragement and understanding each other’s needs Whether it was a quick break for water or a moment to catch our breath, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie that made the climb even more enjoyable There’s something incredibly rewarding about conquering a mountain with newfound friends, especially when the knees start to wobble under the strain!
This hike was more than just an outdoor adventure; it was an opportunity to come together for a noble cause and to create a sense of community I left Snowdon not only with cherished memories but also with a group of friends who share a commitment to nurturing gardens and inspiring the next generation. Together, we took steps towards making a lasting impact in our schools, one garden at a time, while reinforcing our shared passion for sustainable living and our bond with nature.
Photo Credit: Kerry Tomlinson
By Jen Howarth @life on the lot
This month’s write up is going to be slightly different as here at Life on the Lot we have some EXCITING news…
We finally have our very own FLOWER FARM.
Wirral Flower Farm will be opening to the public in May 2025 for pick your own flowers, florist wholesale and lots and lots of workshops!
This has been my dream for several years, and it’s been challenging to find somewhere perfect to do this – especially with me living in an urban area Space is very much at a premium Saying this, I do think I have found the perfect home amongst the rolling fields of Claremont Farm An already established commercial farm which already houses a beautiful farm shop and café, PYO strawberries and pumpkins and a few big events throughout the year They have been so supportive of my vision to create the Flower Farm using kinder growing practices and increasing biodiversity within the area – I’m really excited about what the collaboration holds!
Check them out here
Now the heavy number of seedlings in my greenhouse during the live sow along last month with Ally from The Garden Folk Mag makes so much more sense!
Over the next few months, I’ll be taking you along through the highs and lows of getting all the infrastructure in place to get the farm ready for opening! I’ll be doing this through my new YouTube channel too which you can find HERE
It will be an honest account of how hard the next few months are going to be, I apologise in advice for the lack of pretty flowers and the sheer amount of MUD! I’m excited to get started and to take you guys along on this journey with me
This month I’ll be:
Pegging out and marking beds
Making the first beds for Hardy Annuals to be planted out!
Designing the layout – I can see graph paper in my future Digging up the dahlias ready for storage ahead of their new home!
Arranging soil tests
Learning how to be an actual farmer! EEEK!!!!
I’d love to hear any messages at all about the new farm –any ideas or what you would love to see!
Get ready for LOTS more from Notebook of a Flower Farmer!
Photo Credit: Jen Howarth
October brings the best of autumn: fiery leaves, crisp sunshine, warming drinks and cosy evenings. The garden takes on a magical hue and there’s plenty of excuses to get out there.
Things to sow/plant
Flowers
Sweetpeas
Crocus
Narcissi
Holyhocks
Ox Eye Daisies
Wildflowers
Edibles
Broadbeans
Hardy Peas
Onion Sets
Garlic
Winter Salads
Come and join the @gardenfolkmag team for live garden updates throughout the month over on Instagram.
Shannon @diaryofaladygardener interviews all your favourite Instagram gardeners to bring you all the garden chat and inspiration
Tidying and prepping is the order of the day for most of us in the garden this month Time spent now will reap great rewards next year and over the winter to come
Mulch under fruit bushes and shrubs
Sow green manures on empty beds to protect the soil and increase soil fertility.
Create winter interest and colour by adding plants such as cyclamen, pansies, variegated ivy heather, and hellebores to your space
Plant bulbs.
Don’t be too tidy- leave habitat for insects and small mammals to hibernate and shelter in.
It’s your last chance this month to prune any climbing roses or deciduous shrubs to tidy them up before the winter
Grow hardy salads in your greenhouse or polytunnel.
Feed the birds.
Grow microgreens such as peas shoots or brassicas in trays on a windowsill
Consider adding some lights to your outside space to continue the enjoyment once the dark nights roll in
Harvest and store your winter squash.
Lift and divide rhubarb crowns to make new plants
This month we asked you:
“Tell us your highs and lows of the year?”
Hasn’t it just!! Highlight has been my Tomatoes �� definitely upgraded poly tunnel has been fantastic, Low every thing else Squash, Beans, Peas, Courgette, Dahlia and on and on �� @gardeneriddler
Highs was Achocha and strawberries… lows were pumpkins, courgettes, cucumbers, tomatoes over 50 cucerbit and cucumber plants: not a single fruit. And the tomatoes? Blight �� @theallotmentmum
The high for me has definitely been growing dahlias and the joy that they've brought me
The lows has to be the incessant rain and lack of warmth which has meant much lower yields on most, but thankfully, not all of my crops. @starof 72
It has been a very challenging year but so many of the challenges have been shared by all growers, it’s just social media doesn’t always show that we have had the same struggles I had a massive health scare that I’m still trying to recover from but through that I’ve seen my son flourish in the garden and some amazing friends that I could only have met through Instagram came and did a full day pull my allotment from neglect ��
@fiveminutegardener
The slugs and short season due to tough weather conditions have been a low/challenge, but highs have been beautiful harvests in spite of the challenges ��
@lottieonthehill
Slug-and-cold-June was the killer of all things tender early on for me But a second late sowing of a lot of things did reasonably. Poor squash harvest but not nothing. Runner beans only just developing beans now. Sweetcorn are an earwig feast Plug plants saved me with salad! Tomatoes did ok though! Cucumbers were rubbish. There’s always next year!
@kathryn grows stuff
Slugs, cold and horsetail have definitely made our first year on the allotment difficult, but our tomatoes have been amazing, it’s my first time growing dahlias (which I’ve fallen in love with, and we won best new plot holder!
@natsallotment
Every time I feel positive something will grow mother nature had other plans, I have never had so many issues of direct growing as I had this year. Now finding the motivation to tidy and get winter ready is low ���� @amy allotments adventure
Hm, it was a strange one! But then, it's a great conversation starter, so there's a silver lining right there! Our flowers, courgettes and the beans in the tunnel were definitely highsthe deer were really hungry this year and the tomatoes having some form of disease were definitely lows �� @poppa doms farm
It was very difficult to keep going this growing season, battling against the slug/ snail onslaught and the temperamental weather. But nothing beats that feeling of joy when you do manage to harvest things you have managed to grow. I am looking forward to planning next years growing & sowing! @allotment life 16a
allotment
@millyfyfe
@lottieonthehill
@gardendujour
@gardenartist yash @flowers food garden
@becksplot
@learning to bloom @plants and gin
@northern horticulturist
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