Issue 26One Garden Thing

Sometimes the hardest part of gardening is to put your foot outside the door. It should be easier at this time of year with brighter, drier days, but alas, this summer has shown a lack of both. If you are looking out on weedy borders, rising lawn levels, and a general heap of work ahead, then read on, for help is at hand.

Forget the to-do list and focus on #onegardenthing that gets you outside for a sense of achievement, a sense of joy, or just allows you to feel sun, wind or rain on your face. Focusing on one thing may just be enough for today.
So set your watch or phone for 15 minutes and choose one thing to get you outside.
SmellTake a quarter of an hour to stroll around your garden and breathe deeply, focusing on the scents of the season. Crush a few leaves of rosemary or mint between your fingers to release their fragrance. Inhale the earthy, slightly sweet smell of damp soil, fallen leaves, or late-blooming flowers. Pay attention to how the scents change as you move around the garden - it is a mindful exercise that brings you closer to your surroundings and forces you to slow down.
5
TasteIf you have edible plants in your garden, take 15 minutes to harvest and taste what is still available. Nibble on some kale, munch a few late raspberries, or try some fresh herbs straight from the plant. Focus on the flavours and textures in your mouth: the crunch of a fresh snap pea, the peppery bite of rocket leaves, or the lingering sweetness of a ripened cherry tomato. This simple act of tasting directly from the garden fosters a deeper appreciation of your garden’s offerings.
1
Collect SeedsMany plants like poppies (Papaver), marigolds (Tagetes), and nasturtiums are setting seed at this time of year. Spend 15 minutes collecting seeds from the garden to save for next season. Grab some envelopes or paper bags, label them, and gather seeds from dried flower heads. This is a simple way to ensure a vibrant garden next year, and a satisfying way to connect with the lifecycle of your outdoor space.
2
Rake October brings a flurry of falling leaves, turning your garden into a patchwork of colour. Put aside 15 minutes for raking leaves into a pile. It is not just about tidiness, leaf litter can smother lawns and harbour pests if left too long. Raking can be a meditative way to enjoy the crisp autumn air and get a little exercise. Gather those leaves for composting or create a leafmould pile that will break down into nutrient-rich mulch for your garden.
3
Plant Grab a handful of bulbs - think Crocus, Muscari, and daffodils (Narcissus) - and spend a quarter of an hour planting them in borders or containers. October is the perfect time to start getting them in the ground before the first frost and this quick task will reward you with vibrant colour come spring.
4
Focus on #onegardenthing to lose yourself in for 15 minutes - it will do you the world of good!Scotland Grows 26NavigationContentsEditor's WelcomeNational Trust for Scotland ROOTSWhat's Gorgeous in the GardenScotland Grows Show PodcastAwesome Autumn GardensWhat's On In ScotlandMake Fallen Leaves Your Garden FriendsClayton's BookPumpkin Picking Patches Across ScotlandReduce Pumpkin WasteMake a Hydrangea WreathPutting the Cutting Garden to BedOverwintering DahliasOverwintering Bell PeppersDaffodils for DecemberScotland Grows Reader FeedbackBringing Back the RosesFeature Your GardenTanker IrrigationGrow Your BusinessGarden Boosting BulbsGreenbank GardenTulip Planting Time3 Moisture Loving BulbsReaders Garden PicturesScotland's Apple Heritage PodcastApple Caraway SauerkrautPumpkin PowerSoothing SoupWhat is Green Manure?Bringing Back Local Seed VarietiesHydroponic GrowingCome and Chat About PlantsWinter Gathering 2024SGF ConferenceGrow a CareerScotland Grows websiteOne Garden ThingGo Gothic with HouseplantsGardening NewsAsian HornetGarden Jobs AheadScotland Grows SubscriptionA Goldmine of LeafmouldNext Issue advertArchives