Even though we are officially in autumn and sadly on the wrong (in my opinion) side of the equinox, a walk around the garden today with my camera reminded me there is still lots of wonderful things out there to admire.
Opium poppy seeds heads
It’s just wonderful how many different ways plants package seeds for the coming of spring.
Dandelion seed head
The yellow petals of the sunflower may be gone but who is to say those seeds don’t look just as interesting as the flower and I know they will certainly be attracting some birds in the near future.
Sunflower seeds
It also acts as a reminder to us gardeners that it is a good time to save some seed for next year. This week I have been drying some of those miniature pepper seeds and some courgette seeds (okay this was a well overgrown courgette / marrow). It’s a simple process. Just scoop out the seeds, removing any of the vegetable flesh and leave to dry on a window sill. Then store in labelled envelopes in a cool place ready for planting in the spring. This year I have had great crops of both parsnips and little gem squashes from seed I save last year. I find it very rewarding.
Courgette seeds drying
Murtagh's Meadow 
I grew a handful of seeds from butternut squash – good weed suppression if nothing else!
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For some reason the Butternut squash don’t seem to produce many squashes for me – I think it may not be warm enough for them here in Ireland – so I have given up on them for now and try and grow the smaller varieties like ‘little gem’ as they seem to do better.
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Same here – cool micro climate (Chilterns), yards of foliage but nothing to show for it, though courgettes and pumpkins were a success.
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OH I love those shots! You have inspired me to get outside and enjoy fall beautfy! I LOVE those pods that dry. You sky is that beautiful blue, I wish every day we had:-)
what is”little gem squashes”, sounds interesting. I grew some “lemon squash” or summer squash that are eaten when about the size of a small lemon. I love my squash!
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‘Little gem’ are a small dark green squash – they are no bigger than a grapefruit, and have a wonderful dark orange flesh inside. We just cut into four and roast in the oven. I will do a post soon as we have had a great squash year this year – I am saving up some photos!
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I love to learn about different squashes..that one sounds interesting:-) I look forward to seeing your photos they sound pretty. Is it an heirloom?
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No, I don’t think it is a heirloom. From what I have read, I think it is popular variety in France and Germany.
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