Easing into Autumn's embrace

Autumn seems to receive the least attention in our conversations. We often tend to gush excitedly over the first signs of spring after a long spell of wet and cold over winter. Or fall naturally into our near-fanatical role as sun worshipers when the weather begins to warm in the summer, and the land is lush with vibrant greens. Even winter has a bit of appreciation as folks get caught up in seasonal preparation, excitement building towards well-earned breaks filled with family and food. 

Then there is Autumn. In Ireland, this is typically characterised by the return of the dreaded wetness. Showers come fast and erratically, temperatures begin to dip and there is a final rush to finish those tasks in the garden before the first cold spikes of winter. 

However, at the same time, there is a sensual and graceful beauty emerging in Autumn. The light softens to warm golden hues, the evenings draw in from their 'fine stretch', and those formerly vibrant greens melt into delectable shades of amber, copper and mahogony. 

These stunning visual cues are an indication of a profound shift as nature prepares for the coming winter. While spring and summer are devoted to growth and reproduction, autumn is a time for preparation. Most plant life undergoes a transition in response to the falling temperatures as they need to radically change how they use their resources.  

Taking a native deciduous tree as an example, their foliage the most symbolic of Autumn's arrival: they break down chlorophyll and other cellular components, recovering valuable nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Sugars produced during the growing season are converted into starch and stored in the roots, trunk and branches. These reserves will help sustain the tree throughout winter and support new growth in spring.

The tree slows its growth and enters dormancy, reducing the energy required for processes such as cell division and tissue development. Finally, dropping its leaves, it dramatically reduces water loss which is particularly important when cold or frozen soil makes water harder to absorb.

As leaves fall and gather on the woodland floor, they become part of an extraordinary recycling system. Fungi, bacteria and countless small invertebrates begin breaking down this organic material, gradually returning nutrients to the soil. Earthworms and other soil organisms help incorporate decomposing matter into the ground, improving soil structure and supporting future plant growth. The fallen leaves also provide shelter for insects and other small creatures through the colder months.

What we might see as untidiness (or potentially an annoying mess to clean in the driveway) is actually a vital layer of protection and nourishment. Without this continual process of decay and renewal, the richness of woodland soils would gradually diminish - meaning less support for those lush and vibrant summer-scapes we all love so much. 

Significantly, Autumn's existence affirms that decomposition is not the opposite of life. It is one of the processes that makes life possible. As a newbie gardener and composter, I'm only starting to understand and appreciate how important this cycle is to providing nourishment to the soil, the land beneath our feet. 

Our fauna friends are also beginning their preparation for the colder months ahead. Hedgehogs eat more to build up fat reserves before hibernation, while squirrels gather and store nuts and seeds to sustain them through winter. Migratory birds such as swallows depart for warmer climates, while others such as Black-tailed Godwits, Dunlin and Redshank arrive to spend the winter in sanctuaries such as the Argideen estuary here in Timoleague. In woodlands and hedgerows, insects and other small creatures seek shelter beneath fallen leaves, bark and vegetation. Good to keep a small corner of the garden unkempt with piles of leaves and a few logs to help support them with that. 

There is something esoteric about this dramatic and stunning shift within the Irish landscape at this time of year. As the land changes to burnt hues, the world seems to slow down around us, despite the invisible escalation of effort in nature to prepare for its survival. All that effort and activity ensures it's in a strong position to produce its next bounty half a year down the line.