Simples!

​In the USA, October 2021 is Emotional Wellness Month.  As life has been increasingly uncertain and stressful over the past eighteen months it’s important to attempt to maintain a sense of calm and balance. 
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Despite adding this to a Blog, it’s advisable to disconnect from reliance on various ‘devices’ and focus on face-to-face relationships.  

Whilst the word is bandied about like a well-worn sock perhaps consider the benefits of Mindfulness, a simple Eastern meditation practice engaging in the present and focusing on acceptance and non-judgmental thoughts.   Common sense prevails and encourages taking time to eat healthily, drink less alcohol, get more exercise,  breathe deeply and set time aside for activities that make you happy.  Simples!

Here is a list of what has been making me happy over the past few weeks:

Sorting out the garden and greenhouses; things to do in the autumn:
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• Prune, lift and divide plants and flowers.
• Cut back faded perennials to add to compost
• Keep leaves off plants : ensure fallen leaves do not lie on the exposed crowns of plants as this will cause them to rot, especially in a damp autumn.
• Plants bulbs throughout September and October whilst the soil is still warm
• Raise patio pots on bricks to avoid them sitting in water throughout autumn
• Remove stakes and other supports on plants that have died down for winter.
• Lift vegetables such as beetroot and carrots and store in a cool dark shed in a box of dry potting compost.
• Trim lavender by cutting off just the dead flowering stems – either with secateurs or hand shears. Do not cut the stems with leaves as they will be susceptible to frost – leave this to the spring instead.
• October is a good time of year to plant new climbing roses
• Make a mini cloche as these will keep the soil warm and provide protection and therefore can extend the growing season by many weeks.

REMEMBER - don’t be too tidy! 

• Plant wildlife friendly plants - shrubs and climbers that bear fruit and seeds will keep the birds going throughout the year  as well as providing shelter to a whole host of wildlife.
• Undergrowth, leaf litter and log piles provide diverse habitats for hedgehogs, toads, frogs and insects.