As a gardener, it’s easy to feel a little sad as fall arrives in the Pacific Northwest. The flurry of summer harvesting is over, the tomato vines are bare, and the garden begins to look tired. But I’ve learned to see this season not as an ending, but as a necessary and beautiful transition.

This is the time to put the garden to bed for a well-deserved rest. It’s also a time for us to rest, to enjoy the fruits of our labor that now line the pantry shelves, and to simply look around at the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us.

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A New Pallet of Colors

Every year, nature gives us a new and completely unique pallet of colors. The vibrant greens of summer give way to fiery oranges, deep reds, and brilliant yellows. The crisp, cool air and the soft, golden light make the landscape feel magical. It’s a fleeting beauty, and taking the time to truly see it—to go for a walk and appreciate the changing leaves—is a reward in itself.

Homestead Tasks for a PNW Autumn

While the pace slows, autumn is still a productive time on the homestead. It’s a season of preparation and setting the stage for next year’s abundance.

  • Putting the Garden to Bed: We clear out spent plants, add a final layer of compost to the beds, and plant our garlic for next summer’s harvest.
  • Mulching with Leaves: All these beautiful fallen leaves are a valuable resource! We shred them and use them as a protective winter mulch for our garden beds and around tender perennials.
  • Enjoying the Pantry: This is the season for simmering soups with stored squash, baking bread, and enjoying the jams and pickles we worked so hard to preserve.

Fall is a quiet, restorative season. It teaches us the importance of rest and reminds us to find joy not just in the growing, but in the entire cycle of the year.