Read by Matilda Longbottom
September drifts in on a cool morning breeze, carrying with it the scent of ripening fruit and the first hints of Autumn in the air. The garden has both a full and winding-down feel—tomatoes still warm from the sun, pumpkins swelling under broad leaves, and late blooms stretching toward the fading light. It’s a month of gentle transitions, when we savor the season’s abundance while preparing for the quieter months ahead. In this issue, you’ll find stories that celebrate these in-between days—tales of harvest joy, lessons learned in the soil, and the simple pleasures that only September can bring.
Pat Stone explores the disappointment of tomato blight in Goodbye Cruel Tomatoes. My nose wrinkled at even the thought of the smell. In Autumn Chores, Diana Wells compares gardeners and housekeepers. Be honest, are you a lazy Autumn gardener? Mike McGrath shared his tale of raspberries and drought in How Dry WAS It?. I will be honest…I have snuck out in the early morning hours to secretly water plants. They are depending on me, after all.
Don Nicholas explores the time-honored tradition of tending your yard in The Zen of Lawn Mowing. Are you a lawn enthusiast? In The Seed Keeper’s Habit, join Amanda MacArthur as she shares a variety of tips on saving and storing your vegetable seeds to use next year. I know that there are a few things I want to try.
Don’t forget to check out Plants We Love and learn more about spinach, pears, and rosemary. Are you growing any of those this year? Bill Dugan also shares with us all of the amazing health benefits of sunflowers in Bright, Bold & Beneficial: The Health-Packed Power of Sunflowers. I never knew half of these but am always eager to learn more!
Our Stories from the Garden continue to share stories about life in the garden. Muskan Dixit had me walking down memory lane with Apple Orchard Antics. So many of my favorite childhood memories include time spent in an apple orchard. Tussie-mussies and Timeless Traditions by Hannah Dougherty Campbell made me smile. I had never heard of a tussie-mussie but I am now fascinated.
I chuckled out loud reading Prospector’s Patch by Brandon Yu. I am sure we have all had those moments where we thought that the garden was going to give us a bountiful harvest only to be vastly disappointed. I know it has happened to me! The laughter keeps coming with Sherry Comstock’s The Groundhog Gambit. While groundhogs can be quite the pest in the garden, I do have to admit that there is some appeal to their antics.
Our new StoryBook this month, The Adventures of Ladybug Lily, is an absolute treasure for readers of all ages. From the very first page, this enchanting story sweeps you into the vibrant world of Lily, a courageous little ladybug with a big heart and an adventurous spirit. The author’s storytelling is both whimsical and heartfelt, beautifully weaving together themes of nature, friendship, and the joy of discovering one’s purpose.
We travel across the pond to the UK in our Garden to Table Journeys this month. From the morning bliss of fresh-baked granola inspired by The Brown’s Hotel to the savory legend of Welsh rarebit straight from Granny Mabel’s kitchen, and the zesty twist on fish and chips from Covent Garden, each dish is a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the joy of good food shared with loved ones. Grab your aprons, roll up your sleeves, and let’s embark on a culinary journey unlike any other. Cheers to good food, great company, and the endless possibilities that await in the kitchen!
I hope this issue helps you transition from the hot days of Summer and into the cooler days of Autumn. Now you have something to read as you wait for the mornings to warm up enough to venture outdoors. Don’t forget your cup of coffee and maybe some fresh granola! ❖
Christy Page
Editor & Publisher
Food Gardening Network
