Editor and eco-expert Kim Stoddart outlines some uplifting ideas for the weeks ahead
It’s always a little shock to the system how quickly the nights draw in at this time of year, especially after the clocks go back. Memories of the summer solstice and long balmy summer days feel like a distant memory, especially this year as we have to think a little harder to remember the nice-weather-patches here and there in-between the slugs and rain. What a year!
There have of course been lots of positives to the garden in 2024, many plants have flourished in the wetter conditions and the vibrant colours of the autumn leaf display continue to provide much joy. That said, I do think this winter might be a little tricky for a lot of us, especially as we have been deprived of as much sunshine as we would have liked. I’ve done a lot of work (writing and hands-on training) over the years around gardening and wellbeing so I’d like to share a few suggestions to generate some inner warmth and light at this time of year.
Sow seed for now and next year
We talk a lot about spring bulb planting in this issue and that’s a great way to connect with your garden, and the promise of abundance and colour for next year.
Sowing seed in advance isn’t always as essential, but the benefits are manifold. You do get a little head start on the flowers and food, but also it’s incredibly rewarding to watch the seeds burst into new life and growth. In my case I will enjoy checking in on them with delight over the weeks head on every available windowsill, watching as the magic of germination occurs.
Invest in a daily garden walk
Our columnist Mike Palmer is known for doing this and I think it’s a lovely idea to get into the habit, whatever the weather, of a mindful meander around your outside space. The more you look, the more you will see and the more connection you can have at this time of year, and that will make you feel better. There is always joy and wonder to be found in the great outdoors if we go looking for it.
The more we can access some natural daylight the better over the months ahead, as I’m sure we have some vitamin D to stock up on after the summer just gone. Just take care to walk carefully when the ground is frozen or there are slippery fallen leaves.
Bring the outdoors in
Anne Swithinbank writes beautifully about foraging for flowers in her column in this issue (P26) and I urge you to do the same – go for a little stroll around your garden and see what might look nice presented in the home. It’s not Christmas decoration season just yet and anyway the twigs, seed heads, berries and evergreen foliage offer more than just a yearly festive display. The process of looking is as enjoyable as anything, as you walk around inspecting and enjoying your late garden display. It’s fun to get creative with what you find and I’m sure you’ll think of ideas for next year as you hunt for in-house decorations.
Project idea
If you fancy making some home-made cards, the foraged foliage can make lovely ad hoc paint brushes. I’ve used this method many times on wellbeing courses where we collect seed heads and plant leaves and play with dipping them in paint and designing cards. It’s incredibly rewarding, relaxing and utterly delightful to switch off and focus on what lovely designs can be created as a result. I highly recommend it.
Invest in wildlife this winter
From leaf mould piles and wilder areas to enable overwinter creature shelter, to bird feeders and home-made bug hotels,helping garden wildlife is a spirit-lifting thing for us and a boost for the healthy biodiversity of our gardens. It feels good in the process and it’s very enjoyable to play, getting all creative with materials you find lying about to create little bug hotels, bird baths or feeders.
Project idea
To further enjoy the delight of seeing garden birds as much as possible, consider hanging feeders closer to home windows. Just be mindful to hang them high enough so they are safe from cats.
I have a few woodpeckers that visit my bird feeders. They don’t seem to be able to figure out how to access the bird nuts though unless the feeder is full to the brim (all that tree pecking maybe). So I will be providing an ample supply of nuts to help ensure further opportunities to witness their wonderful display.
Look after yourself and others
A lot of research that has been carried out over the years indicates that giving to and helping others has the potential to make us all feel all warm inside. From a smile and a neighbourly nod, to passing on some home-saved seed or a few propagated plants, these actions are meaningful and priceless in the best possible sense. These small acts all add up and help create a connection with our precious outside spaces, the community around us and the promise of more clement seasons to come.
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