Field Notes: October

Let cosy season commence

October has been a quiet and gentle month spent at home. My work trip to Scotland was derailed by Storm Babet (we got as far as Edinburgh and had to turn around and drive home) which was disappointing, but I’ve had many positive moments this month which outweigh this. I’ve enjoyed wild swims in icy cold water, spent plenty of time in my garden, taken Evie (my dog) on long hikes surrounded by autumn foliage, mused about mycelium on a funghi foraging walk, and spent time catching up with friends. Not to mention all those cosy evenings snuggled in front of the fire, reading books by candlelight.

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GARDEN UPDATE

Although I’m leaning into the cosy season, I really miss my summer garden. I dug up my dahlias last weekend, and the tubers are currently drying out before I store them in sawdust for the winter. A couple of the plants grew gigantic tubers, which is really exciting. I’ll be expanding my dahlia patch next year, growing more varieties as well as splitting my tubers. They gave me four months of joy this year with their constant beautiful flowers, and will be a priority in my garden going forward.

I also planted my bulbs at the weekend. I’ve scaled back this year, not planting as many varieties of flowers and smaller quantities than I attempted last year. Realistically, I don’t enjoy spending as much time in the garden over winter, and I found it a nightmare to look after my anemones and ranuculus last year. I’ve just planted bulbs in pots on my patio - a colourful array of tulips, mostly, with a few fritallarias and alliums. I’m also planning on adding more hellebores to my garden to add to the winter foliage.

Over autumn, winter and early spring, we have a huge job of tidying up all of the beds and preparing them for planting. The two new beds that we grew in this summer are covered and prepped for winter, but we have four new beds to dig up and prep, as well as all the existing beds that need a lot of TLC.

TRAVEL NOTES

It’s been nice to spend a month at home, ahead of a hectic few weeks in November. I have several exciting trips for both work and leisure over the next month, which I can’t wait to share. I’m heading to London, Bath and Cumbria - so a nice fusion of city and countryside. Keep your eyes peeled on my Instagram if you want to follow these trips, and I’ll also share summaries here in the November edition of Field Notes.

As much as I love travelling abroad, it’s been wonderful to explore more of the UK this year and to travel to so many places without the need for flying. I’m aiming to fly less on my travels, and am delighted by how much of the UK I’ve managed to see this year - Cornwall, Devon, the Lake District, Norfolk, Herefordshire and several trips to Wales. There are so many incredible places to discover in this country, and I’m constantly adding to my list of UK destinations I still haven’t visited.

I’m currently planning where I’d love to travel to next year (personal trips only - I’m leaving a lot of flexibility for work travel) and getting excited at all the possibilities. Please take this list with a pinch of salt - I definitely cannot afford to visit all of these destinations and will be balancing out my travels to make sure I am not flying excessively.

If funds allow, I’d love to head somewhere in the far north of one of my favourite Nordic countries at the beginning of 2024, for snow-covered landscapes and the Northern lights. I am then heading to the Alps and Paris in March, combining visiting friends with a work trip. I’d love to head somewhere warm and sunny in late spring - Greek island hopping or exploring Italy by train are at the top of my list. Summer is for staying close to home and staying in hotels, cabins, cottages (and camping) within the UK - Devon, Cornwall and west Wales are always calling my name. Then in early autumn, I’m hoping to finally book a trip I’ve been dreaming of for years: travelling up through Sweden before hopping across to Norway to explore the Lofoten Islands, then snaking my way back down Norway via train.

I feel like I’m always planning potential trips and dreaming up new adventures (I’ve had my Nordic adventure to the Lofotens planned out for some time now). Sometimes I think I enjoy the planning almost as much as travelling itself!

OCTOBER EDIT

5 things fashion

I’m already feeling cold sat at home, and I’m dreaming of slipping my feet into a pair of cosy Birkenstock Boston Shearling Slippers.

Archivo Siren Shell Hair Clip would make a lovely stocking filler this Christmas.

This Buttoned Alpaca Blend Knitted Tank from Toast (ad/pr) is currently the most worn piece in my wardrobe.

I’m always looking to Sabina for outfit inspiration. She has a beautiful, thoughtfully curated wardrobe.

If I was rich, I would wrap up in this cosy waistcoat all winter long.

5 things: interiors

My bedroom is almost finished, but one thing still on my list is bedside lamps. I have my heart set on these rattan lamps with matching shades from Pooky.

Such a small detail, but these beautiful photographs by The Venetian Pantry have really made me fall in love with these Rowen & Wren brass coasters.

I’ve completely fallen in love with this bedroom by Studio Giancarlo Valle. I want to paint a room in my home in this beautiful rust colour.

Every single room at The Bear Inn Hodet is incredible. Which one would you pick? I think Yew and Rowan are my favourites.

I’d love one of Chloe Jonason’s Suzanis hung on a brass pole above my bed.

5 things: Instagram

@jess_elliott_dennison - food writer and chef, Jess shares snippets of her cosy life in Edinburgh, her delicious recipes and supper clubs.

@hannahedace - Hannah lives my dream life as a travel photographer and writer. I love following her work, and am hooked whenever she shares her work schedules.

@rachaelovvy - Rachael’s moody photographs of her life in Cornwall constantly inspire me.

@daniel_ernst & @tashi_ka - their incredibly photographs and videos are making me want to pack up my life and move to Scandinavia.

@dpc_photography_ - incredible autumn scenes from around the UK. I especially love his photographs of the Lake District and Peak District.

See you next month! In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for my monthly book club newsletter (free for all) or upgrade your subscription to read every newsletter I send throughout the month.