Celebrating the Beauty of Autumn Horticulture and the Art of Pickling
As the seasons turn and the air grows crisp, the vibrant colors of autumn flowers and the seasonal tasks of preserving garden produce intertwine like the threads of a beloved family quilt. In north London, the enduring tradition of flower shows serves as a reminder of the natural beauty our gardens offer, while, across the world in Saskatchewan, the age-old practice of pickling rekindles cherished memories and family traditions. Both endeavors celebrate the fruits of hard work and community spirit, encouraging us to reflect on what we can create from our gardens.
Autumn bloom displays at local flower shows.
The Heart of Community: Local Flower Shows
Just 20 years ago, the flourishing horticultural society scene in north London boasted five active flower shows. Today, that number has dwindled to just three. Yet, despite these changes, the atmosphere at these events remains thick with camaraderie and enthusiasm. Participants display remarkable arrangements of dahlias, sunflowers, and seasonal harvests that embody the essence of each show.
At the recent Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society Autumn Show, comments flowed from both attendees and participants alike about the importance of volunteerism in keeping these charming community traditions alive. Chris Page, a member of the society, expressed a belief that if more people experienced the joy that comes from organizing community activities, our neighborhoods would thrive.
“It’s a delight to see the fruits of labor presented with pride. We should all embrace the chance to contribute,” Page shared at the show, where trugs overflowing with vegetables highlighted a strong growing season.
While these shows draw attention to the beauty of flowers, they also incorporate age-old traditions of home baking, handicrafts, and, notably, pickling—reminding attendees that the joy of gardening extends beyond mere aesthetics.
A Journey Through the Flower Show Experience
In the days that follow, attendees from the Muswell Hill Horticultural Society also gathered to showcase their floral talents at their own edition of the event. With September’s gentle sun illuminating Suzy Marshall’s breathtaking First Prize exhibit—a vase of mixed flowers—there was no shortage of color. As she reflected on her journey as a budding gardener, the name “Labyrinth” echoed as she referred to the show-stopping dahlia variety of choice, leaving others inspired to cultivate such beauties in their own gardens.
Similarly, walking through the Highgate Horticultural Society’s Show was like stepping into a living gallery, with the spectrum of flowers evolving day by day to reflect the organic pace of nature. The judge’s careful assessments bore witness to the commitment of dedicated gardeners eager to share their creations. The stunning array of Michaelmas daisies and rudbeckias not only harmonized with the season’s farewell but highlighted the unparalleled bonding occurrence that these local events promote.
Gardening brings communities together through shared experiences.
Preserving Memories Through Pickling
As we celebrate the beauty of our local flower shows, we must also acknowledge another essential autumnal activity: the art of pickling. In Timberland, Saskatchewan, Anita Smith stands resilient against the autumn chill, pulling the last of her cucumbers from the vine and preparing for the preservation season.
Anita’s reminiscing about her early experiences of preserving, washing jars beside her mother as a little girl, embodies a deeply rooted passion for keeping family traditions alive.
“It only takes two generations to lose family traditions. Once you skip a generation, it’s very easy for the next generation to skip it too,” Anita warns, illuminating the fragile thread connecting us to our culinary heritage.
Armed with glass lids and rubber rings, she takes to her kitchen, ensuring that every last morsel from her garden is transformed into pickled delights, jams, and jellies. For Anita, the labor-intensive methods employed—more resonant of a timeless craft than a modern convenience—speak volumes of her dedication to preserving not just the produce, but also the family stories that come with each jar.
Delicious homemade dill pickles, a cherished family tradition.
Hearing her recount tales of family feuds over “baby pickles” brings to light the joy found in simple pleasures. Children gathered around in anticipation as jars filled with various sized cucumbers sat waiting to be opened during mealtime, forming an important ritual that has now extended into the next generation.
The Intersection of Flourishing Gardens and Culinary Craft
With each colorful flower at the shows and each careful jar of pickles sealed away, one realizes that both gardening and culinary practices capture more than just taste or appearance; they embody stories, history, and community. The relevance of these traditions, intertwined through flower shows and pickling, remains steadfast as they urge us to explore the depths of our own gardening experiences.
As gardeners, we are called not only to personally enjoy the fruits of our labor but also to share them. May this autumn inspire more individuals to partake in local gatherings, engage in the age-old practice of preserving, and unite in the delight of gardening. Let’s continue to encourage one another, passing down the knowledge and skills that can make our communities flourish.
Tips for Your Gardening and Preserving Journey
- Dig up any potatoes still in the ground for a harvest that won’t go to waste.
- Plant spring bulbs for an early bloom to cherish come springtime, while protecting them from pesky squirrels.
- Brighten up your window sills with vibrant miniature cyclamens, as they lend color even in the colder months.
- Don’t forget to net your ponds to catch leaves—composting turns them into nutrient-rich leaf mould ideal for garden beds.
Embrace the tapestry of gardening and the joy of creation that echoes through your communities. Whether through flowers, preserves, or joyful camaraderie, autumn represents rich rewards.
The rewards of a fruitful gardening season—harvest time!
