It’s safe to say that very few picnics or days out were spoiled by rain clouds this August in Suffolk. As the month comes to an end, we’re still mostly crying out for rain, but I’m sure we’ve also all thoroughly enjoyed the dry summer’s days and the heat on our backs. What a fabulous month it’s been for long walks or just sitting outside enjoying the fresh air and the rustle of the trees.
I always think of August as a gateway month. Yes, it’s still high summer, but everything is ripening and flagging the changing of the seasons. It’s the month of berries and collecting nature’s bounty to store up for winter.
IN THE FIELDS
It’s the end of the month and the harvest is in. Our farmers have been putting in the night shifts and working hard in the dry fields which mostly now stand bare, stubbly or ploughed.
IN THE HEDGEROWS
Flanking our road and fields, the wild bits around us are offering a bounty of jewel-like berries and ripening nuts (though we’ll have to wait a bit for those).
Blackberries are amazing this year, as are sloes though they’re obviously not quite so palatable for the hedgerow nibblers like myself and my dog, Finn. I’m hoping to see Sarah’s jam stall packed with blackberry and hedgerow jams for us all to indulge in.
And don’t forget to pick some elderberries before they drop. These are little power packs of health when made into a syrup to enjoy through the winter months. You can find various recipes online but I like to add cinnamon and ginger.
Also on the verges, look out for yarrow. Wild yarrow in such a healing plant. In days gone by, it was used as a plant to help with cuts. The leaves and flowers can be fully dried then ground to a powder to sprinkle on cuts. Apparently it worked well.
AMONGST THE TREES
If you went down to the woods this month at Sutton Hoo, you might have spotted some actors. Red Rose Chain’s ‘Theatre in the Forest’ did yet another spectacular performance of Shakespeare this year : Hamlet. I hope you managed to see it in this special outdoor venue. If not, definitely plan in in next year.
My walks in the area this month have yielded some images of curious oak galls, ash trees catching the light as clouds roll in, wild viburnum, and one of my favourites, spindle berries.
LASTLY . . .
I didn’t get around to taking photos of gorgeous gardens this month, but I saw this plant and wondered if we could share what we call it. We used to throw it at friend’s back so it stuck to them. Oh, we certainly knew how to have fun!
Have a stunning September!
Amanda x
Tags: August Last modified: October 1, 2025
