Pine Marten Post #15
Hello lovely person!
September splendour includes; spectacular spring bulbs, golden gorgeousness, brilliant berries, Scandi sweetness and vanquished Vikings.
Gardening tips for September
Gardening is all about hope and optimism. Planting things during uncertain times gives us a thrumming green lifeline to cling to, even through the darkest days of the year. Popping just one pack of bulbs in a container this autumn will give you something to look at, and observe minute changes in, during the cold, dreary days of winter.
So, what would you like to grow?
Start with the colours you like. Do you crave icy white flowers emerging from frosty soil? If so, try planting snowdrops for flowers in January.
If you think you’re more likely to have your spirits lifted by bright and jolly blooms, daffodils are very cheerful and tough, and’ll start flowering from February.
If you can wait a little longer for some spring interest, then you might enjoy some outrageously flamboyant tulips which’ll start flowering from April. They come in all colours and sizes, ranging from palely pretty to swaggering glamour. Tulips are where I indulge my dramatic side and - quite frankly - the louder the better.
Fragrant musings from the library of scent: Gilded - Eau de Boujee
⭐You’re licking a lemon and ginger gelato while watching a Viking ship being ceremonially burned on a windswept beach. Sacrificial herbs like mint and angelica flicker among the golden, glowing timbers as they creak and settle into mesmerising shapes. Puffs of incense writhe in the embers—bright, warm and very mysterious.
Gilded is created by perfumer Pia Long.
Pia’s a legend in the world of perfume. Known for merciless shredding of misinformation about ‘clean beauty,’ she’s incredibly skilled at storytelling through olfaction. Now unfettered by client briefs, you can try her fragrant fantasies at Boujee Bougies.
Nature notes for September
Skeins of geese unspool across murky skies
as chattering swallows gather on thread fine wires——still
the last of the meadowsweet spices warm evenings,
glistening orbs of brambles gleaming obsidian from prickly thickets.
Back to school children squawk, their feet squeaking, creaking in stiff new shoes
silver birches start showing their first gilded leaves,
crimson rowan and hips and haws glow, while dusty sloes sulk among their spears.
A robin shrilly stakes out its winter territory. Beware.
Chocolate of the month: Kvikk Lunsj
As I recently discovered I’m actually part Norwegian, I’ve been delving deeper into the food and culture of somewhere I’ve always loved and been fascinated by.
If you’ve not tried Kvikk Lunsj yet, then oooh, you’re in for a treat. And if you think it’s just a Kit Kat with a different wrapper, then I beg to differ.
The chocolate is much silkier, creamier and just, well, more delicious than on a Kit Kat. Kvikk Lunsj has a crisper, very slightly salted wafer too. All round, hands down better.
Random Scottish fact: Largs Viking Festival
Largs is a small, quiet, fairly smart wee town on the West Coast of Scotland where you can find a master fishmonger, game dealer, huge marina and very expensive interior design shops. And then once a year, it’s overtaken by actual, real life Vikings, who’ve travelled (some in wooden longships) from countries including Ireland, Norway and Canada. It’s wild.
Simple canvas tents are pitched in the Viking Village, wood carvers tap away at their work while bubbling and fragrant cauldrons simmer gently over wood fires. People wear clothes they’ve woven themselves, and sing ancient songs softly as polished runes made of bone clatter. The amount of time and effort put into this festival is awe inspiring.
Not everything was Viking themed though. One of my favourite stalls was run by a Scottish jeweller, Ilona Henderson, selling satisfyingly chunky silver pendants and rings stamped with Ogham script.
Another local couple were selling buttery soft leather pouches to hang from your belt. Niko also makes beautiful bags and belts with intricate engravings, and hordes of eager children were eyeing up their wooden swords and shields.
Definitely worth a visit.
On the blog and LinkedIn:
My top 9 perfumes for lifting your spirits
⭐As ever, all products mentioned are paid for by me. And all wonky words and images are by me, Rowan Ambrose, too.
Thanks for spending this time with me——I really appreciate you ⭐