Potager Field Notes: October

October arrives in a flourish of crimson and gold across Fall River. The morning air carries a sharp, crisp chill, and the potager settles into its final autumn rest. Outside, leaves rustle underfoot as we gather the last remnants of the growing season, while inside, the studio glows with bustling energy of our Autumn markets and upcoming holiday preparations.

IN THE POTAGER 
October is a time of garden wrap-up and preparing for winter. We gather final cuttings of cold-hardy herbs before the heavy frosts set in, clear dead vines, and dress the garden beds with compost and fallen leaves to nourish the soil over winter. Dry, sunny afternoons are spent collecting mature seed pods from marigolds and zinnias, storing them in paper envelopes to await next spring’s planting.

IN THE STUDIO 
The studio is bursting with cozy, comforting autumn aromas as we pour rich, warm blends featuring notes of clove, cinnamon, pumpkin, and apple. With our expanded studio space completed, Avery and I have been busy packing orders, hand-applying labels, and assembling collections for our markets. It is a season of early mornings and late nights in preparation for the holiday season.

CRAFTSMANSHIP 
Autumn craft honours the art of transformation. From hand-foraging acorn caps, birch bark, and pinecones for our botanical simmer spells to hand-pouring soy candles into amber jars, every item is crafted with intention. Taking the time to process raw elements by hand ensures each piece brings a bit of whimsical magic into the home.

OCTOBER STARGAZING 
October brings exceptional stargazing conditions under crisp autumn night skies. Watch for the Orionid Meteor Shower mid-month, when dust left behind by Halley’s Comet creates bright streaks near the constellation Orion. High overhead, the Great Andromeda Galaxy shines brightly on clear, moonless nights. On October 26 watch the sky for the full Hunter’s Moon.

BOTANICAL FOLKLORE 
We are preparing our Samhain pumpkin designs, but did you know the first jack-o-lanterns were turnips? The tradition of the jack-o'-lantern began in Ireland with a spooky folk legend about "Stingy Jack," a clever rogue who tricked the Devil and was condemned to wander the Earth forever with only a burning coal inside a carved turnip to light his way.