October, a favourite month of mine, a month of celebrating autumn and Halloween traditions. A month too for preparing for spring in the garden. A month that evokes childhood memories.
Childhood Memories of Halloween
My earliest memories of Halloween are of lighting sparklers in our back garden and Dad attempting to carve a turnip to make a scary lantern as was the tradition back then. I recall he found it hard work just to try and carve out the eyes ! Of course, the humble turnip has long since been usurped by the ubiquitous pumpkin which can be found en masse in supermarkets here from early September. I see their appeal. They are much easier to carve and their colour is perfect for autumn but personally I find the turnip much creepier.
For another Halloween, Dad took me to my first fireworks display. I can still remember how freezing cold it was and how the fireworks lit up the night sky. I wrote about it in an essay at school where we had to demonstrate appropriate use of adjectives. The fireworks display was the perfect subject matter.
Sadly, my dad passed away in September and its little memories like these that I am recalling at the moment. Memories that have been lying dormant until now. My dad was the most selfless person I’ve ever known, devoted to me and to my late mum. We had gotten into a new routine since mum passed, dad trying to cope without her and putting on a brave face for my sake. Though he was a quiet man, I miss his company greatly and the ordinary days we spent together doing ordinary things.
Autumn reading
Reading and gardening have provided moments of comfort.
Earlier this month, I read ‘Wild Light’ by Angela Harding. If you are not familar with the name, Angela Harding is an English printmaker. This book is a collection of her prints and drawings prompted by observations of nature from first light to last light. Accompanied by poems and her personal commentary, it’s a lovely calming read which has inspired me to try and get out more with my camera.
I’ve also just finished reading ‘October, October’, by Katya Bale, a children’s book whose front cover is, by happy coincidence, also illustrated by Angela Harding. This is a rather magical and hopeful read, perfect for this time of year and to return to every autumn.
Planting bulbs for spring
Meanwhile, in the garden, I’ve been potting up more daffodil bulbs, as is now the tradition each year. The most recent additions to my growing collection are from Esker Farm which is based in County Tyrone. It was lovely to discover a local grower of bulbs and so I treated myself to varieties called Greek Surprise and Causeway Sunset. My daffodils did really well this year (see my post A little garden update) so I’m hoping for a repeat performance next year.
I’ve been buying tulip bulbs too, although these won’t be potted up until some time in November. I’ve gone with a simple white and pink theme, having bought bulbs from a variety of places including Farmer Gracy, Marks and Spencer and Creative Gardens. The varieties include Candy Club, Catherina (white), Finola, Holland Chic and Mariage.
Images courtesy of Farmer Gracy website
The autumn garden
The garden itself is quietly going to sleep now, the ground sodden after recent heavy rainfall. There are still little splashes of colour here and there from fading hydrangeas to a last flurry of roses. But soon it will all be gone, to hopefully reemerge next spring.
Last glimpses of colour in the garden
For Halloween this year, we’ve bought sparklers and I’ve been decorating pumpkins. I’m hoping it will be dry enough to have a fire outside and maybe have a drink or two of warm cider. I’ll be sharing some pics on my Instagram page, so please come and say hello.
Whatever your plans this Halloween, keep well.
Paula x
Useful Links
Other seasonal posts from Typewriter Girl to enjoy:-
I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️ I remember my mum carving a turnip lantern when I was a child too, my mum made most of my costumes too, though they were fairly simple (witch, black cat, skeleton with glow in the dark masking tape). I’m glad you’re finding some comfort in gardening and reading. I loved ‘October, October’, one of my fave reads last year, would also recommend ‘Julia and the Shark’ and ‘Leila and the Blue Fox’ both by Kiran Millwood Hargrave. X
Thank you. October, October was a magical read, I must admit. I’ll definitely check out your other recommendations. Hope you and your family are keeping well x
Love hydrangeas …beautiful 💕
I know…the colours are amazing!