Ready to Turn Over a New Leaf?
Here’s 10 seasonally savvy tips for making autumn your best season yet!
Are you wearing a big coat and your favourite cosy hat yet? Have you considered putting the heating on and curling up under a blanket to hibernate? Yep, us too!
As the seasons shift, so does the way we cultivate our homes and gardens, and if you’ve come across the brilliant Joë of Conscious Curations, you’ll know that for her, this transition is all about embracing the beauty of nature in every gorgeous detail.
With a passion for seasonal living here in Devon, Joë inspires her Insta followers to celebrate the changing months through mindful gardening, sustainable décor and clothing.
We asked Joë to share how she’s embracing the change in season and her helpful hacks for welcoming Autumn with open arms. Happy to say she obliged!
Pull up a cosy chair, grab a warm cuppa, and dive in…
As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, it’s easy to think of the garden as a place that has lost its charm. After all, summer's vibrant blooms have faded, and the trees are shedding their leaves. But autumn can be one of the most magical times to experience the garden, especially if you embrace the unique beauty this season brings. By making a few simple adjustments to how you view your outdoor space, you can continue to find joy and comfort in your garden—even as it enters its quieter phase.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reflecting on how to fully enjoy my autumnal garden. I’ve been growing a small batch of vegetables, which has brought me so much satisfaction. There’s something deeply comforting about harvesting fresh produce from your garden and bringing it inside to prepare a warming meal. The cool autumn air only enhances this sense of cosy contentment. Lately, I’ve been rounding up the last few tomatoes still hanging on their vines, which I’ll use to make a hearty homemade soup. There’s nothing like a bowl of soup made from your garden’s bounty, especially when the chill of autumn sets in.
Although the summer flowers have faded, autumn still has its share of garden delights. In my own garden, the dahlias have been putting on an impressive display, their vibrant blooms lasting well into the colder months. As much as I love letting the garden go dormant for the winter, I’ve found it incredibly fulfilling to snip a few stems of these beautiful flowers to bring inside for a vase. And I don’t stop there! I also like to add some branches of brown or gold-toned leaves to create a more seasonal, cosy look for the corner of my home.
There’s something deeply grounding about experiencing the change of seasons and connecting with nature in a way that goes beyond just admiring the garden from afar. With a little creativity, autumn offers a wealth of ways to enjoy the outdoors and bring a sense of seasonal comfort into your home. Here are my top 10 recommendations for embracing the autumn season and making the most of your garden during these cooler months:
1/ Sow autumnal seeds for future joy.
Autumn is the perfect time to plant seeds that will bloom later in the year. Certain varieties of flowers, such as pansies, primroses, and chrysanthemums, thrive in cooler temperatures and can bring early colour to your garden in the spring. By sowing these seeds now, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful display in the coming months.
2/ Create an autumnal vase display.
Even though summer's colourful blooms have passed, autumn offers plenty of exciting foliage to work with. Cut a few stems of dahlias, chrysanthemums, or even late-blooming roses. You can also gather some fallen branches with golden or bronze leaves for a rustic, earthy look. If you're out on a walk, bring back some wildflowers or grasses to mix into your vase. These natural elements bring warmth and cosiness into your home, perfect for the changing season.
3/ Prep the garden for spring bulbs.
It might seem early, but now is the time to prepare your garden for next spring. Start planting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, narcissus, and alliums. This may feel like planting hope for the future but trust me—it’s worth the effort! Come spring, you'll be rewarded with a burst of colour and life just when you need it most.
4/ Take an autumn walk.
Autumn offers some of the most scenic walks of the year. Whether you have access to a nearby woodland, moorland, or a quiet country lane, take some time to enjoy the crisp air and the beauty of the changing leaves. The golden hues of autumn leaves, the scent of damp earth, and the quiet stillness of the outdoors all combine to make for a truly rejuvenating experience. And if you find yourself surrounded by nature's bounty, you can always collect a few fallen leaves or acorns to add to your indoor decor.
5/ Cook seasonal dishes
There’s nothing quite like a comforting, nourishing meal to help you embrace the colder months. Autumn is the season for hearty soups, casseroles, stews, and roasted vegetables. I’ve been experimenting with seasonal ingredients like squash, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and root vegetables. There's something so satisfying about cooking with ingredients that are in season, knowing that you're nourishing your body with foods that are perfectly suited to the cooler temperatures outside.
6/ Ramp up your skincare routine.
As the weather turns colder, the air gets drier, which can take a toll on your skin. Now is the perfect time to switch up your skincare routine and focus on hydration. Opt for richer moisturisers, oils, and serums to combat dry skin. I also find that soothing hand cream is a must when the cooler weather starts to set in, especially after working outside in the garden. Taking time for self-care will help you feel cosy and pampered as the days get shorter.
7/ Add layers to your living room
The colder months call for more than just a change in clothing; your home environment should also reflect the cosy vibe of autumn. Add extra layers to your living room with blankets, throws, and cushions in warm, earthy tones. Candles are an excellent way to create ambience as the daylight fades, and soft lighting can make your space feel especially inviting.
8/ Create an autumnal tablescape
With the holiday season just around the corner, autumn is the perfect time to start planning a cosy dinner party or gathering with friends and family. Curate a beautiful autumnal tablescape using seasonal elements like pinecones, acorns, and gourds. You can also incorporate your garden flowers or branches into the centrepiece. A well-set table with comforting food and good company epitomises autumnal joy.
9/ Focus on mindful practices.
As we experience fewer daylight hours and the world becomes quieter, it can sometimes feel harder to stay upbeat and energized. To make the most of these changes, try focusing on mindful practices like meditation, journaling, or yoga. These activities will help you stay grounded and positive as the days grow shorter, and they’ll give you a sense of calm during those darker afternoons.
10/ Create an indoor bulb display
If you can’t wait for spring flowers to arrive, why not force some bulbs indoors? Hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips can all be forced to bloom early, creating a little patch of spring in your home just in time for Christmas. It's such a lovely way to bring a bit of green and fresh fragrance into your home during the colder months.
Your autumnal takeaway…
Autumn is a time for slowing down, reflecting, and appreciating the simple joys of life. By engaging with your garden in new ways and incorporating the season's natural beauty into your home, you can create a warm, cosy space that mirrors the richness of autumn itself. Whether you're growing vegetables for comfort food, harvesting the season's last flowers, or simply taking time to breathe in the crisp air, there are endless opportunities to embrace this time of year. So, wrap yourself in a blanket, sip on something warm, and let your autumnal garden bring you peace and joy all season long.
