AUTUMN HARVEST...

Good morning!

Well Mr. W and I have just returned from a fabulous 30th Wedding Anniversary trip to Singapore and Indonesia (blog post coming shortly!) and while we were away, it looks like Autumn sneaked in?

Apart from the shock of the cooler weather, both here in the UK and because we left temperatures of 30+ degrees, I adore this change in the seasons, and everything that it brings.

It really has been the most wonderfully productive year in both the vegetable and fruit garden, and particularly a bumper year for apples in our little orchard, which we have gradually been adding trees to over the last few years.

Keen to not lose them all to the Crows while we were away, there was a last minute hurried harvest to gather them all in safely.

A lovely mix of both eating and cooking varieties...

As you can see, we were not without our little helpers!  Is it just my dogs that love fruit?!

Filling three large rubber trugs and three large bags....

It really has been our largest crop to date!

What to do with this lovely harvest?

I am excited to say that the majority this year are being made in to apple juice.  Our local apple farm kindly, for a fee, take in customers' apples and juice and bottle them.  Ready in a couple of weeks, I am excited to take delivery of several crates of our first ever delicious juice.  Now all I have to do is design some lovely bottle labels!  I look forward to sharing the finished product with you all soon....and I think everyone in our family probably knows what they are getting for Christmas!

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Are there any autumn projects that you are particularly enjoying at the moment?  I would love to hear....

Happy September days to you all!

Sophia xx

EMBRACING THE NEW SEASON...

As wonderful as this past summer has been, I am loving the change in the seasons.  Autumn to me is one of the loveliest and I am embracing all that it brings.

We have been working hard in the garden, generally tidying and putting things to bed.  The fun part for me is always the change of planting in my pots and planters, bringing a new theme for the time of year.  Beautiful 'Crown Prince' Pumpkins and pink and white Heathers are always an October favourite, along with squashes and colourful, decorative gourds.

White cyclamen too make their way in to both inside and outside planters ...

This month we have been harvesting the wonderful glut of red grapes from our pergola vine and enjoying them particularly with yoghurt for breakfast each morning....leaving plenty of course for the birds to enjoy.

Onions and chillies have been in abundance!  This is just a small selection of what we have grown, enough to last us all year.  All keen cooks will know how many one can easily get through...the basis for many a recipe!  Onions are stored in airy baskets in the cool of the shed, and chillies I have dried overnight in the warming oven of the Aga.

Aubergines were the surprise at the end of the summer!  Having thought that they were going to be a complete disappointment due to late planting, hidden below the leaves were a lovely crop of medium sized aubergines with the most wonderful taste and texture.  I shall definitely be growing more next year.

The last of the courgettes, beetroot, carrots, and beans have been enjoyed, and we are now looking forward to enjoying the next crop of all year round lettuce, kales, purple sprouting broccoli, spinach, celariac and brussel sprouts.  In previous years the winter veg has been slightly forgotten, but with a new effort in planning and planting earlier this year, I have high hopes for this winter!

The dogs and I have been enjoying the most glorious daily walks. Blessed with many sunny days recently, our lunch time walks are a welcome break in the day, away from my desk working and daily routine.  

We are very fortunate in our little corner of rural Kent, to be surrounded by beautiful unspoilt countryside.  

Our favourite walk is through the ancient woodland that borders our land...

A haven for wildlife and the perfect place to switch off and reflect on the changing season...

A change in the weather calls for a change in meal planning here at home.  Who doesn't love the chance to indulge in warming, healthy soups and casseroles.   Local game is bountiful too, and I am keen to try a few new recipes this Autumn which I look forward to sharing with you soon.

Friends and family over for relaxed meals is always enjoyable....

... as are cosy nights in with no plans,  in front of the fire or with a good book or movie.  

The clocks may be changing this weekend, but the earlier darker evenings won't be dampening my spirits!

Tell me, do you love this time of year too?  What do you enjoy especially to welcome in this beautiful time of year?

Wishing you a happy week ahead...

Sophia xx

A COUNTRY HOUSE WEEKEND...

Last weekend, Mr. W and I headed off to West Hoathly in Sussex for a special party, hosted by some very dear and generous friends who were celebrating their 30 year 'Pearl' wedding anniversary....and what a party it was!  Along with our fellow guests, we were truly spoilt with dinner, dancing and champagne flowing...and all in the beautiful surroundings of Gravetye Manor,  a remarkable 16th Century Elizabethan Manor which is a 17 bedroom Relais and Château Country House Hotel set in 1000 acres of wooded parklands and gardens.

As an extra treat, a number of us stayed there for the night which was very spoiling indeed.  Beautifully decorated traditional interiors, log fires and elegant, supremely comfortable surroundings enveloped us the moment we walked through the imposing, impressive entrance.  Attention to detail throughout and such friendly and welcoming staff.  As for the food....well, where do I begin?  All absolutely outstanding.

One night didn't seem long enough and we could barely bring ourselves to leave the next day!

After our late night of fun and partying, a delicious big cooked breakfast seemed just the thing that was needed, along with a walk around Gravetye Manor's renowned gardens, to blow away the cobwebs before we sadly had to leave.

As I said before....attention to detail....a choice of 'Wellies' in all sizes for guests to borrow was a thoughtful touch!

Gravetye Manor is considered one of the most historically influential gardens in the country, as it was once the home of writer and gardener, William Robinson.  In his numerous books and publications he spelled out ground breaking ideas, rejecting the rigidity and formality of Victorian gardening and pioneering the more sensitive and naturalistic style of wild gardening and exuberant mixed borders.  

In 1884 Robinson moved to Gravity where he spent the next 50 years putting these ideas into practice.  Run as a hotel since the 60's, the garden has always been an important part of the experience of staying here.

A deep mist shrouded the valley last Sunday morning, which added to the peaceful, romantic atmosphere of the garden.

My photo snaps do not do this wonderful garden justice, but I urge you to visit for yourself if you are ever in this part of Sussex.  

Beyond the extensive plantings of the flower garden, there are Azaleas, a wild garden, orchard, meadows, a beautiful lake and glasshouses and a spectacular oval kitchen garden which provides much of the delicious fresh produce used in the Michelin starred restaurant.

A wonderful celebration of Autumn's colour in a very special and romantic setting....

I would love to return in the summer time...tea and croquet on this lawn would be fun!

What a perfect stay it was...we shall return!

Gravetye Manor  (click for link...)

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Next week on the blog....some yummy Autumnal recipes that are inspiring me at the moment.  Until then, have a very happy weekend and thank you so much for reading 'Sophia Home'!

Sophia xx