5 Reasons to Spend Time in the Garden This Autumn
Finding beauty, calm, and connection in the changing seasons
As the world shifts from the vibrancy of summer to the rich, russet hues of autumn, there’s an undeniable magic in the air.
Here in Edinburgh, the crisp mornings and misty afternoons create a quiet beauty that invites us outside, even as the days grow shorter.
Despite the chilly breeze, my garden has become my sanctuary—a place where I find solace, peace, and even a bit of adventure with my family.
It’s easy to see why autumn is my favourite time to be outdoors; there’s something about this season that feels like a deep breath for the soul.
I’ve always believed that time spent in the garden is about more than simply being outdoors. It’s a chance to bond with my children, to step away from screens and routines, and to reconnect with nature’s gentle pace.
Here are five reasons why I love getting out into the garden in the cooler months, especially as a mum—and why I think you might, too.
1. Quality Family Time and Fewer Screens
If there’s one thing I cherish, it’s watching my children explore and play in the garden, away from the constant allure of screens.
The garden is where their imaginations roam free. On chilly afternoons, we’ll gather under the pergola with mugs of hot cocoa and snacks, wrapped in blankets, sharing stories and laughs. These are moments where the world slows down, and we can truly enjoy each other’s company.
With nature as the backdrop, everything feels more vibrant and meaningful. My little ones get so excited collecting leaves, foraging for pinecones, and even making small “fairy homes” out of twigs and acorns.
And for me? It’s grounding to watch them in their element, eyes wide with curiosity and cheeks flushed from the fresh air.
2. Finding Calm and Reducing Stress
There’s a peace that comes from being surrounded by nature. Mornings in my egg chair with a hot cup of tea have become a ritual, even as the weather cools. It’s my quiet time before the demands of mum life begin. I bundle up, bring my journal, and breathe in the crisp, clean air. Those precious few moments of solitude are my reset button, a chance to centre myself before the day begins.
YES, it is dark when I go out in the morning with my cup of tea. AND it is so so lovely!
Nature has this way of pulling you out of your head and grounding you in the present. As the leaves fall and the garden readies itself for winter, I find myself letting go of stress and embracing the beauty of this seasonal change.
Studies even show that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress and anxiety—a lovely reminder that our gardens can be just as nurturing as they are beautiful.
3. Staying Active and Healthy in the Cooler Months
Gardening isn’t just good for the soul; it’s a full-body experience. From planting bulbs for spring blooms to raking leaves, these small tasks keep us moving and engaged, even when the weather might otherwise tempt us indoors. And it’s not just me who benefits—my kids love lending a hand, and the garden offers them a perfect space to run, jump, and explore without any screens in sight.
Getting outside, even for a short time each day, can boost our physical and mental health.
It feels like such a gift to give my children a space where they can play, grow, and learn in a natural environment. After all, the simple act of breathing in fresh, cool air and feeling the earth beneath our feet does wonders for our well-being.
My little one planting bulbs
4. Cultivating a Sense of Wonder in Nature
There’s something magical about autumn in the garden, as leaves fall and frost dusts the morning grass.
Children have an innate curiosity that’s awakened outdoors, where every crunch of a leaf and flutter of a bird feels like an invitation to explore.
We’ll often wander through the garden collecting “treasures”—bits of moss, fallen berries, or leaves in every imaginable shade of gold and crimson.
These small moments in nature nurture a deep appreciation for the world around us.
5. Making Memories Together That Last a Lifetime
More than anything, the garden is where we make memories.
Evenings around the fire pit, after-school snacks in the garden, Saturday morning coffees, trying to play card games under the pergola but having a gust of wind blow half the cards away..
Being outside makes these moments extra special. I can’t quite explain why. But there’s nothing quite like the feeling of wrapping up in cozy blankets, the warmth of the fire on our faces, as the scents of woodsmoke and pine fill the air…
These simple moments—like sipping hot cider, gathering by the fire, or even tackling a family leaf-raking session—are the ones my children will remember, I hope. I hope they will remember those moments rather than the ones where I lost my s**t because my kid lost his school shoes 2 minutes before leaving for school (and even though we had them 2 minutes before that)… Well I will remember the lovely moments of us all together in the garden, anyway.
They’re opportunities to laugh together, to feel connected, and to build memories that last beyond the season. For me, these memories are the heart of family life.
Tips for Embracing the Garden This Season
As we lean into these colder months, I find myself adding little touches to make our garden more inviting—a cozy blanket on a bench, lanterns and string lights for that soft evening glow, and seasonal plants like heather and winterberry for color. These small adjustments make the garden feel like an extension of our home, a space we’re drawn to, even when it’s chilly.
Next week, I’ll be sharing a post all about how to create a cozy garden retreat for the autumn and winter months, with ideas for decor, family-friendly activities, and seasonal planting that make the garden a lovely place to linger. Stay tuned for tips on turning your garden into a haven for those beautiful, quiet moments that make life a little brighter.
As we spend more time in the garden, I’m continually reminded that autumn is a season of gratitude—a time to appreciate the beauty of nature, the warmth of family, and the simple pleasures that make life so meaningful.
So why not embrace the season, wrap up warm, and step into your garden? There’s magic to be found, even in the crisp November air.
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Thank you for stopping by. If you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch: Elisabeth@joyfulgarden.co.uk
