Last week was our second seed swap of the year! It’s a really handy time to host one as once autumn starts there are so many seeds that can be saved and shared. I find that seeds which have been collected often do better than shop bought seeds. This may be because there are super naturalised to that area, are from strong growing varieties or maybe it just makes me happy knowing things are growing for free! Either way collecting and saving seeds is a really satisfying and mindful activity. It also helps you see the amazing variety between different seeds and how their morphology dictates their distribution methods. Small seeds like poppies and love-in-the mist are wind-dispersed from shaker type heads or dandelion seeds have their own parachute to help them fly. Larger seeds like sunflowers and teasels stay in larger seed heads for birds to pick them out.

I have also finalised the autumn programme of events for the garden! On the 15th October there is a gardening for wildlife workshop learning how to increase biodiversity in your garden through methods such as introducing water, feeding birds and creating habitats for wildlife. The following week (24th October) is our autumn harvest festival where will harvest our final crops and get the beds ready for winter. There will also be activities and crafts including pumpkin carving. Please see the website for more information and book on using eventbrite.