Autumn Vignettes

a wander through September and October.

Nov 10, 2022

I know I’m not alone in feeling this when I say that nature really does help to balance my brain and body. A walk through the woods and the hills seems to top up my reserves no end - mentally, physically and emotionally. Nature has near-miraculous results at changing my mood and soothing my frazzled nerves. I can’t lie—there are too many times to mention when I would rather see a tree than a person: there are no demands and no social overtures and small talk to panic about. Heading for the hills or winding my way though the woods is a salve. When I’m talked out and peopled out, sitting quietly somewhere deep in nature is self-prescribed medicine.

The last few weeks I’ve struggled to keep up with Mother Nature cartwheeling through the autumn colour spectrum. Noticing it all and documenting it helps me to feel grounded and stable. I haven’t had as much outdoor time as I would have liked, but I have managed to grab some short bursts of quiet, creative moments.

I’m leaving some visuals notes below, to remind myself of what’s around me.

Green glades and summer’s last glory

September’s lush green canopies, still thick with leaves and gentle sunlight.

Scarlet vines and bright berries

Virginia Creeper vines are such an abounding symbol of the start of Autumn Proper. The rich shades of carmine, claret and copper always feel like a dramatic (and welcome) opening show; setting the scene for what is to come in the season.

The berries are plump, and they beg to be picked. I’m sure I can find a medicinal use for them.

This year, I encountered spindle trees for the first time. With russet, pink and orange fruits, they looked like the prettiest sweets. I didn’t pick, and I didn’t eat. Just admired from camera distance.

Hawthorn Brandy

Hawthorn brandy, infused for the last 18 months, finally bottled up and ready to sip as a medicinal winter snifter.

Having seen a recipe for Hawthorn Brandy in The Handmade Apothecary book, it really made me want to try my own. I say recipe, like I made the brandy myself! What I mean is, infusion instructions. Anyway, it started off in April/May 2021 as a large glass lidded jar filled with a litre of brandy (supermarket own brand, nothing fancy). I gathered the petals, buds and sprigs of hawthorn flowers (also known as May flowers) and stuffed the brandy jar to the brim. It smelled heavenly. In September of that same year, I added hawthorn berries to the brandy jar. By now the petals and flowers had broken down somewhat, and there was sufficient room to stuff in the berries too (gently squished beforehand).

A year later it was time to strain and decant. Autumn 2022 Vintage. Rather nice.

Ivy bridge

Ivy-clad anything is okay with me. I know it’s considered a parasitic plant, but that doesn't put me off. Ivy looks a little like it comes from an old storybook and slightly Delphian. I’m obsessed.

These photos were taken right at the end of October. I was amazed at how much green still dominated the wood. If it wasn’t for the golden leaf litter under foot, I may have mistaken it for July.

Wandering through this old path made me feel like I was in some sort of dark fairytale…