When I started planning this blog at the beginning of the week, my intention was to take my title from an Emily Dickinson poem, ‘As imperceptibly as Grief – The Summer lapsed away – ‘. At that time, it looked like our extended summer would simply segue into autumn without us scarcely noticing.
My only clue as to the change of season was the arrival of my vibrant, autumn crocus and nodding Japanese anemones. Their appearance is bitter-sweet. While I am cheered by their, ‘See? There is yet time for flowers!’, I am saddened by the knowledge that they are the last arrivals. There will be now more new blooms until spring.
By mid week, autumn was striding on stage in the most dramatic fashion. Our Mediterranean blue skies began to fill with deep charcoal clouds and our evenings were a son et lumier show of lightning and thunder. Long sought after rain came down in torrents, tropically, at night and in bursts throughout the day. Gentle summer breezes were pushed aside by howling winds and my collection of windfall apples was soon outstripping my ability to peel and cook them.
Image: Karen Costello-McFeat
Autumn had arrived. The days are still warm and the garden abuzz with pollinators and butterflies, but the light has changed: The crystalline sharpness of July replaced with the buttery yellow of September.
All creatures, great and small, are hurriedly making the most of the harvest and birds flock hither and thither in search of food to eat and store. Our Austrian pine this year has produced a bumper crop of cones. Sitting in my shed, I was puzzled for a while by the soft staccato coming from outside. I couldn’t see anything doing anything, but later, when I went out, I realised what the noise was. Our resident squirrel had been plundering the tree for the fat pine nuts stored inside the cones and dropping the empty shells to the grass. Perhaps the magpies were joining him – they love that tree too.
Image: Karen Costello-McFeat
A few nut casings fell from the pines I had picked for winter decoration and I broke one open to see what it held. Sliding my nail between the shell, I popped out the nut. I thought I would try it. I was rather hoping it would taste like the delicious nuts harvested from the Pinyon pine. Sadly, no. I spat it out. I shall leave them for the squirrels.
I have planted a couple of the seeds, though. They would make the most adorable bonsai. Wish me luck.
Of course, the most dramatic marker of the changing seasons is the night sky. Where not so long ago, we would sit in the garden watching the bats’ aeronautical display at dusk near ten pm, now it is dark by eight.
The shortening days mean winter is on its way, but I savour these evenings of dramatic skies and fierce sunsets. I’m happy also to let the dog out at night and see the moon and stars again. The next full moon is this weekend: moon watchers, take note.
So this splendid summer is over and I grieve a little for its passing. Yet, I am also filled with anticipation for what this autumn holds. After all, as Keats said, it has its music too.
PS
My blogs may be a little shorter for a while as we settle in our Ukrainian guest. She is an absolute delight, but there is much to do to get her settled. Starting a new life requires a lot of paperwork!
