L&F HQ is surrounded by enormous trees and at this time of year it is one huge mass of colour. Leaves are absolutely everywhere – if they aren’t high up still and green, they’re falling and yellowy, or fallen and browning gently. It’s glorious, and one of the best places to be is stoking the bonfire that builds through the week at the back of the orchard and (weather permitting: wind and the rare rain have to be considered) is lit at the weekend. Your front heats up nicely; your back is chilly to begin with, but you soon take off a layer as you rake and pile and breathe in that unmistakable smell of autumn. The pooches truffle contentedly about at the last of the fallen fruit and keep a wary eye on the smoking pile – too much flame and they back right off until it dies down. No fools, dogs.
But for now it’s another cup of tea and perhaps the very last bit of Pumpkin Pie as I go and pack up the last of today’s orders: appropriately, it’s yet another Pumpkin Wreath. I wrap them tightly in four layers of protection to make sure they aren’t damaged in transit – it’s exacting, and time consuming, but very satisfying. As is the time our happy customers spend adjusting the fronds on arrival to restore them to their full glory. An autumnal burst of colour to link outside and in – perfect.
