Spyglass Gardens

Crisp Air – Falling Leaves – Pumpkin Pie

Those are just of few of our favorite things this time of year. Leaves of gold, rust and red falling to gently to the ground creating a tapestry of colors. A breeze whispers through the trees as yellow finches devour seeds on giant sunflowers safe from the farm cats reach. The hummingbirds are journeying to their warm southern homes leaving behind flowers loading with seeds of nourishment for the next critters dinner. Fields of winter squash and pumpkins are visible as the frost mats the leaves to the soil. Crisp juicy apples sweetened by the colder nights are ready for the table.

Fall starts the cycle of renewal. As plants decay from the frost and rain – they bring nutrients to the soil. Each one giving life to the soil and creatures within. The air changes from dry and stale to moist and earthy. Huge fluffy clouds appear, afternoon rumbling, and isolated rain showers pass through the valley. Flocks of geese and ducks fly looking for newly plowed fields – tasty seeds, bugs and worms will be their forage. They fertilize as they stroll across the land.

Sweatshirts and jackets now hang by the backdoor. Baskets of potatoes, winter squash and pumpkins are sorted and stored. Apples peaches and pears will be preserved and will be placed by the jars of tomatoes, pickles and beans for the long winter to come. A pot of stew is a welcome sight especially with the scent of fresh pumpkin pie.