Autumn: A time to Gather

 One of the greatest goods that has come out of lockdown (note that is said with the awareness of how difficult this year has been and continues to be, for so many) is the simpler way of life we have adapted to. Yes, that was somewhat forced upon us, but how much did the environment and our own minds need that pause on rush hour, rammed car parks and the constant need to ‘be’ somewhere else?

I’ve never seen so many of my friends and peers, talk and share social media posts about growing vegetables - nor be so proud of being able to harvest them, appreciating outside space and sharing the unexpected the joy of not having to go anywhere.

There is a lot to be said for tuning in to our seasons. For many, we tend to see the year pass by through a window - not truly feeling the change in weather, as air conditioning keeps us constant, whilst desks, phones and meetings keep us from spending any real time outside, amongst nature.

This year, we’ve had the chance to feel it. We have been gifted ‘time’ to watch trees form buds, flower and fruit, to discover that we do still have the ability to be patient. With many realising that growing something from seed to fully fledged plant is actually incredibly satisfying, not to mention probably as good for our mental health as the physical benefits gained from eating homegrown.

Which brings me to ‘gathering’. Something we’ve not really done much of this year but as the end of summer sees us eek out the last few evenings spent in the garden and crisp mornings set in, it is time to gather up the last of our home produce and utilise its freshness in warm meals. To bring together those you live with and enjoy that food around a table, to enjoy the taste and the conversation without distraction, because after all these moments are precious.

Of course, we knew that before, but it’s all the more apparent now.

To gather together what we have learnt; from how to sow and harvest from your small plot of earth, to how to mend something you’d otherwise have discarded and bought new, to sharing stories from your elderly neighbour who you hadn’t really appreciated before. To the realisation that it is ok to stop to ‘gather your thoughts’ and that when we all are united in doing so, our planet thrives.

As the evenings draw in and the temperature drops, we gather together soft heavy blankets, set out cushions in abundance across sofas and beds, light candles and grab a mug that fills both hands, full to the brim with something hot. And as you curl up amongst your cushions, lay the blanket over your legs and snuggle up with a loved one, mug in hand waiting for the movie to start, please take a moment to think about where your cushions, your blanket, your mug and your candles came from. Who made them? What with?

Now more than ever we need to gather from closer to home. From the farm shops who brought food to our table when supermarkets could not, to the ceramicist who lives down your road that you discovered during lockdown, to the knitters and artists who painstakingly create using sustainable, seasonal materials.

They may be a touch more expensive, but they are honest, talented, passionate and love to make an object is long lasting and durable.

So let’s move towards the season of giving and goodwill this year, with a desire to spend our money with people and products who do things right. And if as a result, our villages go back to having a butcher, baker and candle-stick maker, then what brilliant places they’ll be.

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Here are a few talented makers I’d highly recommend if you are looking for that mug, candle, flowers or food this coming season (and do browse our Shop for those blankets and cushions to cosy up with);

Helen Walker Ceramics - the most stunning mugs from her home studio in Dorset.
The Rhubarb Candle Company - a family run business, handpouring eco - soy wax candles in the Dorset countryside.
Pod and Pip - for flower and gardening workshops, gorgeous bouquets and home accessories, based in Salisbury.
Bird and Carter - a family run farm shop and deli (that ran a slick click & collect service during lockdown) based in Wilton and Fonthill.