Seasonal Cycles

"To take what there is, and use it, without waiting 

forever in vain for the preconceived- to dig deep 

into the actual and get something out of that- 

this doubtless is the right way to live."

-Henry James

We have come around on our third autumn here at Soul Flower Farm.  As we transition from one season to the next, we are beginning to observe the familiar cycles and traditions unique to each time of the year, a familiarity that can only happen when you put your roots down, dig in and stay in a place for a while, really getting to know the land and learning to know yourself as part of that place.  

If I had to describe this time of year in one word it would be GATHER.  We have been collecting and preserving all the harvest for cold rainy days to come, as well as, gathering materials we will need for the animals, garden, and ourselves.  

For me, certain sights and events will always mark the presence of this autumnal season; the magnificent piles of bright orange pumpkins, stacks and stacks of hay bales, the sweetness of persimmons and the huge fat wild turkeys prancing about.

Right now we are planting lots of garlic, getting the last of the greens in the ground, tidying up in preparation for the rains, and generally turning inward for self reflection.  Having family time, getting cozy by the fire in the early evenings, and enjoying many new good books are all part of this season's goodness. 

A few current favorite reads in our house...
The Dirty Life, By Kristin Kimball
The Small-Scale Poultry Flock, By Harvey Ussery
The Seasons on Henry's Farm, By Terra Brockman
The Beginner's Guide To Growing Heirloom Vegetables, By Marie Iannotti