The Joy of Preserving: A Cheer for the Good Old-Fashioned Flower Show and the Art of Pickling

As the last petals fall and the temperature drops, the spirit of hometown flower shows continues to thrive, much like the vibrant traditions of home canning and pickling. This autumn, we celebrate both the beauty of our local horticultural societies and the age-old customs that bring families together around the kitchen table.

A Plea for Community Connection

In recent years, horticultural societies have seen a decline, with only three remaining active in North London. Yet, these organizations serve as vital community hubs, providing spaces where neighbors can gather, share their gardening experiences, and showcase their hard-earned produce. During the recent Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show, a sense of camaraderie filled the air as volunteers dedicated hours to display their beautiful dahlias and delectable vegetables.

Chris Page, a dedicated member of this local society, remarked on the enriching experience of volunteering for such events. He noted, “If only people knew how engaging it is to volunteer in the running of neighborly activities, life would be better.” Through their passion and commitment, these societies keep the spirit of gardening alive, turning an ordinary day into a festival of colors and flavors.

Amidst the flower shows, the bounty of local gardens shines brightly.

Celebrating Produce Through Preservation

As we revel in the visual delight of floral arrangements at local shows, another tradition equally rich in culture is seamlessly intertwined with our gardening pursuits: pickling. Picture Anita Smith in Timberland, Saskatchewan, harvesting her late-season cucumbers. With a heart full of nostalgia, she recalls the first time she helped her mother wash jars—a ritual that she would come to cherish and continue with her own family.

Smith reflects on the wisdom passed down through generations, saying, “I read this one thing that said it only takes two generations to lose family traditions.” Her passion for keeping family recipes alive—especially her grandmother’s famed dill pickles—mirrors the dedication we see at our local flower shows. Just as exhibitors painstakingly groom their flowers, home preservers like Smith meticulously craft their culinary creations to honor their heritage.

The Recipe for Tradition

Smith’s family recipe for dill pickles has evolved over time, integrating the larger cucumbers of her grandmother’s method with the bite-sized “baby pickles” introduced by her mother. Each jar filled with pickles not only represents a bounty of harvest but also a treasured family story.

With every batch of pickles she cans, she ensures her daughters learn the family recipe, stating, “I’ve already taught my daughters how to can, so I know that this recipe will be passed on.” It’s in the nurturing of these relationships that both gardening and canning thrive—a celebration of hard work, history, and community.

Tying Tradition with Creativity

The current gardening season may be ending, but the lessons and memories crafted in both flower shows and kitchens remain evergreen. As the frost approaches, it’s not just the flowers we should be mindful of but also the fruits of our labor ready for preservation.

Before the ground freezes, take the time to dig up those last stashes of potatoes and plant your spring bulbs—a prelude to the next season’s delights. In kitchens across the world, enthusiasts are reminded to continue their own traditions: canning that last batch of salsa or harvesting herbs for winter storage.

Jars filled with family tradition: a symbol of the changing seasons.

From Garden to Pantry: Your Seasonal Checklist

As we transition to the colder months, consider the following friendly reminders to keep your garden and pantry flourishing:

• Harvesting: Don’t let your potatoes stay too long in the ground; the critters will appreciate your delay. Ensuring you retrieve all your produce promptly is crucial to enjoying the fruits of your labor.
• Spring Bulbs: Keep planting those spring bulbs. Squirrels may have other plans—do what you can to protect your work!
• Window Displays: Brighten your indoor space with colorful plants. Miniature cyclamens are a cheerful option that lasts well into the colder months.
• Pond Care: If you have a pond, consider netting it to catch falling leaves. These can be composted into rich leaf mold that benefits your garden in the future.

Final Thoughts: Cherishing Our Roots

As the fall season signals a reflection on our gardening practices and culinary art, it reminds us of the importance of preserving not just food but also traditions. Through the dedication of local societies and enthusiasts alike, we continue to celebrate our horticultural heritage.

Let’s keep the spirit of flower shows alive, just as we nurture the legacy of our kitchen traditions passed down through generations. In doing so, we cultivate not only beautiful gardens but also stronger communities—where every bloom and jar tells a story worth cherishing.

As the brisk winds of autumn beckon, let us carry forth the joy of gardening and preserving for all seasons to come.