Autumn has arrived

Autumn has arrived, wind, rain and cooler days and nights. The rain was very welcome as we seemed to miss out on most of the rain since May and the lake was the lowest it has ever been. It is filled with rain water and the water we harvest off the house roof and the cow shed roof. The water is gathered and goes into water butts and a large Victorian water tank under the office. 

When these are full the water then goes into the lake. As we are surrounded by fields which are looked after organically, the water in the lake is not contaminated with chemicals, this has resulted in lots of water insects arriving, probably on the feet of ducks, and thriving in the water. Along with the water cleaning reeds it makes a [perfect environment for wild life to thrive as well as being a wonderful swimming pool.

We also do not believe in watering the garden, once plants have established themselves, they have to get their roots down to find the moisture. If young plants look in need, they get a bucket full of water to revive them and are kept going so that they can establish themselves. As the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable it is difficult to know what to plant. At one time we were told to expect much dryer conditions and to plant Mediterranean plants such as rosemary and lavender. This was followed by a couple of very wet years. This year has not been as windy as usual, which has added to the shortage of electricity in storage. All we can do as gardeners is try and water conserve and plant will insects and wild life in mind.

We have noticed the reduction each year in the number of insects in the garden but this year it was particularly noticeable. The bee flies in the spring looked like they are doing well and their numbers here were up. Whether that just means our local colony has established itself and is thriving or that applies more widely I have no idea. Butterflies are definitely fewer as are night flying insects and moths. This shortage is noticeable in that the birds are hungry, they are getting through food on the feeder more quickly but also more of the species have taken to eating fruit. I have always planted soft fruit with the view of having too many which meant the birds had plenty and we had plenty. This year the white currants were stripped long before they were ready as were the red currants. Pidgeon’s, who are known for enjoying brassicas have taken a fancy to black currants, much to the chagrin of the black birds. One can only imagine this situation continuing to worsen.

The cheese festival, earlier this month, was very popular as usual. It showcases small cheese producers as well as craft gins, ciders, beers and other food products. There are over 700 cheese makers in this country, many of them only selling locally, but with delicious produce. I prefer Cornish bree and camembert to French these days, they are beautifully creamy and always ripen to perfection. It is well worth a visit.

Dog walking on the beach in the autumn is gloriously exhilarating and followed by a fish lunch it is a lovely way to spend a morning, finding a fossil or two during the walk is just icing on the cake.