With the leaves turning brown and the days shortening, you definitely get a sense that autumn has arrived. And yesterday, on a dry, mellow afternoon, we took a wander around the Autumn Fair in Belfast. It seemed like a lovely way to mark the start of this gorgeous season and to embrace all things autumnal.
Scenes from the fair
Set in the grounds of the beautiful Botanic Gardens in Belfast, the autumn fair is an event for all the family, with food and drink stalls, live music and lots of activities for children. There is also a marquee filled with floral and horticultural exhibits, celebrating the ‘ best in class’ of the season. From giant leeks and marrows, to prize winning pompom dahlias and jars of locally made honey, there is certainly plenty to see.
A plant sale
Hosted by Friends of Belfast Botanic Gardens
Seasonal exhibits
Honey, floral displays and pompom dahlias
We wandered around, admiring the skill, effort and patience that it must have taken to grow such a variety of local produce and I picked up a few tips on how to grow prize winning dahlias !
A wander through Botanic Gardens
Then, while my parents sat drinking coffee in the afternoon sunshine, I took a walk around the Botanic Gardens, a hugely popular spot in Belfast with locals and tourists alike. The gardens are home to not only the Palm House but also the newly restored Tropical Ravine and a beautiful rose garden.
Looking out to the Rose Garden
And, although the roses are fading now, their floral scent still hung in the air as I walked by.
Seated amongst the ‘Marry Me’ roses, I spotted this couple having a quiet cup of tea together, away from the crowds. I couldn’t help but think it made for a rather romantic moment…
I made my way back, then, through the garden, the borders filled with beautiful displays of cosmos. It seemed to me the gardens looked at their best, the swathes of white and pink providing a stunning backdrop to the autumn fair.
Swathes of cosmos still in bloom
And, with the forecasted rain still some way off , the autumn fair made for a ‘feel good’ day and a lovely way to say ‘Hello Autumn, I’ve been waiting for you’.
So, that’s the start of my autumn. What about you? Have you any events you plan on going to or little rituals for this time of year? I’d love to hear what you get up to for autumn, so feel free to comment below.
ps For those of you who live locally, the Autumn Fair continues today, between 12 and 6pm. Entrance is completely free.
Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely Sunday,
Paula
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I love the idea of an Autumn fair. September does feel like Autumn with a gentle Indian Summer warmth. X
Yes it’s still has a warmth to it although the early mornings are definitely feeling cooler 😊
Looks like a nice place to visit
Yes it’s lovely. Lots to see and it’s all free 😊
Free is always good!! 👍🏻
Such wonderful gardens! Autumn is my favorite time of the year especially when we have the best of both seasons.
That’s so true Lisa 😊
This looks like such a lovely way to spend the day! I adore those first crisp days of August!
Me too 😊 it was definitely a day to lift the spirits
How lovely to have a fair to celebrate the start of autumn.
Yes it’s something new the city has started doing so will hopefully become a regular feature 😊
Looks like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Autumn is my favorite season. It’s so beautiful and for me, full of nostalgia. I’m hoping our Virginia temperatures will soon catch up to the changing calendar!
Wow! Your last two photos are stunning. I recently visited the Botanical Garden in Montreal with Darren and Dee-Dee and we had so much fun. Darren took many beautiful pictures as well. Watch for the post soon to come on his blog. I know you will enjoy it. You two have the same passion for flowers and gardens.
Yes we definitely have a love of flowers in common 😊