Well, summer is officially over. Autumn came breezing right in. We are rounding the bend out there in the garden. It’s just about done. My dad gathered all the butternut and hubbard squash.

And dug up pretty much all the potatoes.

The beans are about done—some large ones were left to dry out for shelling beans.

There are still a couple radishes, beets and a little lettuce.

Once the first frost hits, we can harvest the kale.

Then, come December 1st, we can plant our garlic. We picked some up locally and the farmers said they always plant on the first of December—which gives us time to figure out where we are going to put them. Raised bed, perhaps? It’s our first time growing it, so any tips would be greatly welcome!

Before we left for work this morning, my Mother asked me if I was sad or relieved that the garden is about done. Like a great many things, it’s bittersweet. I’m grateful I don’t have to do all that work. And I feel happy and accomplished. But there have been (very brief) moments where I wondered what I will do with myself now that my free time isn’t so wholly consumed*.

I say brief because I quickly remember how much more I have to do. I sat down last night and wrote up a list of things I want to sew. Lets just say I ended up with a cramp in my hand and alternating feelings of being overwhelmed and excited.

I’m also worried about the lack of responsibility the garden brings. It demands your attention. If you don’t go out and pick that zucchini, by tomorrow it’ll be too big. If you don’t weed, the little carrot shoots will get choked out. I’m hoping I can bring that kind of discipline and urgency into my sewing again. It’s about making habits. I’ve decided I need to go into my studio everyday for at least twenty minutes, even if spend it ironing scraps of fabric.

*Honestly, I don’t understand people who say they are bored. I’ll admit there are times when I am too tired to do anything or too anxious to focus enough to do anything. But bored? Never. It has a lot to do with how I was raised. I think once in my life I sighed and said I was bored and my father responded with: I’ll find something for you to do and promptly handed me a list of chores. Needless to say, I learned to keep myself busy. Or at least never admit to boredom.

Anyway, I think this will be my last weekly garden update for the season.

How did your summer go? Was it bountiful? Did you learn any significant lessons? Planning anything different for next year? Are you excited about Autumn?

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