In this engaging discussion, Zoe Gilbert, a captivating novelist, and Lia Leendertz, a nature writer and author of the Seasonal Almanac, explore the vibrant themes of September. They celebrate this month of abundance, highlighting folklore surrounding orchards and the joyous festivities of harvest time. Listeners are taken through enchanting stories, including the tale of Fenn and the Salmon of Knowledge, and enjoy the whimsical imagery of the harvest moon and unique fragrances inspired by the season. A delightful dive into nature's wonders awaits!
September symbolizes the transition from summer to autumn, emphasizing harvest, community engagement, and preparation for colder months.
Wildlife actively forages during September, demonstrating interconnected ecosystems and natural instincts as animals build reserves for winter.
Deep dives
The Significance of September
September is deeply connected to agricultural rhythms, signified by its names across various cultures that reflect harvest and abundance. The month serves as a reminder of the transition from summer to autumn, with various fruits ripening and farmers preparing for the changing season. Traditional Romani experiences, such as travelling to assist with hop harvests, highlight the community's engagement with nature and seasonal work. This rich cultural tapestry conveys how September is a time for gathering, feasting, and preparing for the colder months ahead.
Wildlife in September
September marks a bustling period for wildlife as animals prepare for the approaching winter months. Many creatures, including hedgehogs and birds, forage for food to build their reserves, demonstrating a natural instinct to gather before the colder weather sets in. The behavior of animals such as jays and badgers reflects the interconnectedness of ecosystems as they interact with the abundant flora and fauna during this season. The autumn equinox further underscores this transitional period, bringing shifts in daylight that influence both animal behavior and human activities.
Culinary Delights from the Garden
The kitchen garden in September offers a diverse array of fruits and vegetables, perfect for seasonal cooking. Crops include tomatoes, apples, and runner beans, which invite creative culinary uses such as salads and bakes. Recipes mentioned range from focaccia topped with red grapes to fig and thyme upside-down cake, highlighting the month’s potential for inventive meals. This culinary abundance reflects not only the seasonal bounty but also the cultural practices of enjoying fresh, homegrown produce.
In September, the wildlife in our ancient woodland is thriving on the season's abundance, while in the orchard with Zoe we meet some interesting characters. The Breath sing Cliona's Wave, telling the tale behind it, and Lia too is in Ireland for a story from the Fenian Cycle: The Salmon of Knowledge.
'As the Season Turns' is a podcast created by Ffern in collaboration with the nature writer and author of the Seasonal Almanac, Lia Leendertz. Lia is joined by novelist Zoe Gilbert and folk musicians Ríoghnach Connolly and Stuart McCallum of The Breath. Geoff Bird produces and Catriona Bolt is Ffern's in-house production coordinator. Each episode, released on the first of the month, is a guide to what to look out for in the month ahead - from the sky above to the land below. Ffern is an organic fragrance maker based in Somerset. You can learn more about Ffern's seasonal eau de parfum at ffern.co
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