Michaelmas Daisies, Michaelmas Goose. Michaelmas Fairs. Today, 29th September is St Michaels Day or Michaelmas! Traditionally in the rural calendar this was an important “Quarter Day”. The day which signified the beginning of Autumn, when the harvests were supposed to have been all brought in, rents paid and land bought and sold. Things are a bit different nowadays of course. Autumn is starting to make its presence felt with fiery reds beginning to light up the countryside and the nights drawing in. In my garden the michaelmas daisies are in full bloom and pears, apples, quinces, blackberries and plums are all at their best.
Hyssop
As a result of all this bounty, the rabbits and pigeons have grown plump eating the windfalls and hedgerow berries as well as anything left unprotected in the vegetable garden – with cabbages and lettuces being particular favourites! It’s a perfect time to take advantage of this plumpness and get your own back by eating them. Sorry if I sound a bit like Mr McGregor here always chasing after Peter Rabbit to put in a pie and obsessed with protecting my plants! Continue reading