rambling on … nature’s bounty …

 

The Turning of the Season

I think the gloomy weather at the moment is affecting my mood and I am feeling ‘down in the dumps’ so I am taking a little blogging break.  But  from the sound of this post from last year I was feeling upbeat – so I thought I would share it with you again.  Just hope my blogging mojo returns soon. 

Although each season has its merits, and I look forward to them all, September is one of my favourite months for observing the turning of the season.  Being fortunate enough to live in the countryside I become aware of the gradual changes.  As yet, the leaves haven't changed colour - but the hedgerows are becoming full of wonderful things to admire and gather.

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better
Albert Einstein

On the way back from the plot this morning, I stopped off at one or two places where I knew (or hoped) that there would be plenty of pickings.  I wasn't disappointed.

Elderberries
Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth
are never alone or weary of life
Rachel Carson

I go to nature to be soothed and healed
and to have my senses put in order
John Burroughs

I love seeing the elder bushes dripping with fruit. The hedgerows are studded with purple berries - making foragers of us all.

blackberries

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature.

It will never fail you.

Frank Lloyd Wright

Blackberries are eminently photographable aren't they - the greens, reds and purples of the berries make a great subject.

Who can resist blackberry-picking - whilst we were on holiday, early one morning,  we saw two ladies doing just that behind the shore-line at Snettisham where there is a wild area.  The blackberries were smaller than we see inland - but they do have a lot of rough weather to put up with.  I will freeze those that I pick and wait till the Bramleys are ready - and make some blackberry and apple jam.

Or maybe I will collect some crab apples

If you know where to look there are plenty of apples to be had. 

Come forth into the light of things
let nature be your teacher
Wm. Wordsworth

The sloes are also ripening quite nicely - I know of some bushes where the sloes grow almost as big as damsons - unfortunately last year the council cut them back as they were threatening to grow too far on to the road.  So maybe this year there won't be as many - I'll have to and check.



And finally, there are the rosehips

Happiness is looking out across fresh fields
gazing at a distant tree
feeling the sun on your back
and the wind brushing your skin
Anon.

I am hoping to be able to collect enough rosehips to make some jelly this year - a kilo should be enough, but that requires a lot of picking.  I drive slowly along the lanes when I am on a journey ready to slam on the brakes if I see some edibles calling out to be collected.  When out walking I always have plastic bags in my pockets - just in case.  You never know when you are going to come across a field of mushrooms or a stray plum tree.

It is definitely the best time of year for making the most of what nature has to offer.