I love gazing at my garden as summer melds into autumn. Then I start to plan

As summer comes to a close and we approach the autumn equinox, I reflect on the journey of the season—the unexpected joys and occasional setbacks along the way.

Can you feel it? That subtle shift in the air? As we prepare for the autumn equinox this Sunday, day and night will enjoy a moment of perfect balance. With the end of summer, we also welcome the longer nights of fall.

I totally get that for many sun lovers, this transition isn’t exactly a cause for celebration. But for me, this is truly my favorite time of year. There’s something truly enchanting about our gardens right now. After returning from vacation, I was reminded of my garden’s wild charm; it had flourished in my absence, with flowers dancing gracefully, drawing on the last bits of summer’s bounty as they linger delicately between vibrant blooms and the onset of seed formation.

I recently shared my late-summer sentiments on Instagram, declaring it my favorite time in the garden, and I was pleasantly surprised by the responses. One follower said, “I was thinking the same this morning after five weeks of neglecting my garden.” It seems that no matter how much attention we give our gardens, they continue to thrive beautifully at this time of year.

April is all about anticipation—hoping and waiting to see how our gardens will unfold. June can feel overwhelming as we rush to tend to our plants and keep everything hydrated. But by September, many of us have eased that pressure. Our gardens have either thrived or faced challenges. We’ve learned to cope with pests like slugs, either by accepting them or coming up with a strategy (I usually let them be). The impacts of drought or heavy rains are evident, yet now we can appreciate the surprises that have stood the test.

As September rolls in, I find myself enjoying my garden more than ever, often wrapped in a cozy sweater, soaking in the gentle autumn light while sipping my tea. This is the key task for these crisp early autumn days: to pause, feel the golden light and cool air on your skin, and truly appreciate the moment.

There will be tasks to tackle later on, and I find the sturdy jobs at this time of year particularly appealing. Consider lifting and dividing some of your larger perennials—this can help save on next year’s plant expenses. You might also dust off the cold frame to plant hardy perennials; it’s the perfect moment for sweet peas. Plus, it’s a great time to think about ordering organic mulch—my go-tos are well-rotted horse manure or Dalefoot Lakeland Gold—or even considering adding another tree to your garden.

But those tasks can wait for those surprise rainy days that sneak up on us with their early nightfall. For now, the air is fragrant, and the rose hips are swelling beautifully. Why not enjoy one last outdoor meal? If you can, gather around a fire and snuggle up with enough blankets to stay warm. Let’s consider this our final celebration of the season—embracing it fully!