Putting the Garden to Bed

Before I retired it was always a sad but satisfying autumn half term when the garden was put to bed for the year. The essential jobs were done to keep our plot safe from the realities of a Pennine winter. The last mowing, collecting the leaves, combing the grasses, forking the lawns, trimming the heathers, bringing in the tender plants that will need protection from the harshest frosts and snow and cleaning up the ponds from the debris which might otherwise cause some wildlife threatening water quality issues (particularly a danger with smaller ponds).
Top tip: embrace the comfort involved in "putting the garden to bed" but do not skimp on the jobs as they will all pay dividends in the spring.

Now that I have more time on my hands the whole process of readying the garden for the winter is that bit more relaxed but none the less satisfying. The joys of autumn can be savoured without undue hurry and the first frosts can be awaited patiently. The jobs will all get done (assuming the rain eventually abates) and the winter months can be enjoyed in front of the fire and in the potting shed.

Agapanthus are lifted ready for storage

Pond is now cleared of fallen leaves and debris

At this point it is worth while sitting with a cup of Bovril and reviewing the scene; time to start making plans for next year. Where did I leave that seed catalogue?

Clearly nobody has told Hecate to avoid walking on the lawn when it is frosty

A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust. Gertrude Jekyll

Hecate & Mili Brave the Elements

Now the autumnal conditions are firmly set in, it is not only the gardeners who need a little motivation to leave the fireside and get outside. Hecate and Mili have found the allure of an open hearth rather hard to resist. The damp grass is a challenge and the stiff wind blowing across from the moors rather daunting for the smaller felines. However, to their credit they will venture up to the top of the garden, at least when their human is outside to provide some much needed reassurance.

Hecate

Mili

   The two cats are are welcome distraction from the tasks in hand. Collecting leaves and keeping the pond respectably free from the arboreal debris being important jobs for this time of the year. The benches will also be getting a last brush down and treatment, and then, one of the sadder points of the calendar, they will be covered over for their winter hibernation.

Top Tip: it is worthwhile taking a little bit of time and effort to protect your garden furniture, as even hardwood pieces will succumb, eventually, to the ravages of a Pennine winter .