Welcoming Autumn- October Newsletter

It is hard to believe the Summer is slipping away from us, replaced by a kaleidoscope of captivating yellows, oranges, reds and browns. Rich and warm pallete of colours is transforming our world into breathtaking artistic scenery, turning landscapes into captivating paintings.

I love my walks in the forests at any time of a year, but now it feels just extra special- like nature has been saving this grand finale, inviting us to savour those precious moments.

The season of autumn brings a poignant sense of transition, encouraging us to release the past and find beauty in the present moment, much like trees sheding their leaves to prepare for new growth. This shift offers a unique opportunity for self-reflection, celebrating past joys while also creating space to let go of what no longer serves us, paving the way for future possibilities and renewal.

Everywhere I go I see beauty , inspiring a deeper appreciation for my experiences with Mother Earth and gentle understanding that loss and sadness are often followed by healing and new beginnings.

Beginning of October is always greeted with my birth date. Three years ago, I decided that I am counting the years backwards. This idea brings laughter to those that I share it with and I guess, makes me feel better, knowing that I am getting younger and not older.

The changes around me, the colour of leaves, the smell of Fall spices, always evoke feeling of nostalgia and homesickness for Poland, where i grew up, and England, where I lived for 24 years. I also miss my dear family and friends I left behind.

Two countries I hold so dear in my heart.

I was blessed to have my family visiting from Poland in August and one of my best friend's from England came to spend a week and my birthday with me. It has been a busy, but special summer in all ways.

On my birthday we went for a beautiful walk to Conrad's Beach.

The sun was shining upon us, and it reflected in millions of diamonds being scattered in the ocean waves. After we went for a delicious coffee and a cake in Lawrencetown and drove to Peggys Cove for the afternoon. We ended this perfect day with a delicious meal at Rhubarb restaurant and a spectacular sunset.

I hope you all have plenty of warm memories from your summer and are taking time to savour the beginning of Autumn.

October brings a lot of busyness of couple of events, a business trip to Montreal and new products being launched.

On October 24th we have another Witch in the Ditch Herbal Workshop (we took a break in the summer). We will be diving into the world of Vitamins & Phytonutrients, exploring the subject of supplementation and the multi million dollar industry that supplements are.

Are the Vitamin supplements needed? You can decide, and I will share my knowledge.

I will cook a delicious meal and we will enjoy it after the workshop. Spaces are limited, so book yours now.

On October 26th we have another Ecotour planned. We will either be in Sackville or St. Margaret's Bay. To be decided!. We go where the mushrooms are!

Chef Ayzhia will treat us to a gourmet 6 course feast after the tour.

Last Sunday we had an Ecotour and it was such a perfect day, filled with laughter, amazing people, mushrooms of course, and a delicious lunch.

I am sharing few pictures from the tour.

I have a fascination with Amanitas, and admire all their stages of growth. This beauty is called a Destroying Angel, a highly toxic mushroom, responsible fo a lot of deaths every year. The main poison, alpha-amanitin, kills liver cells and passes through the kindeys to be recirculated to cause more damage. The symptoms of Destroying Angel poisoning can start several hours after ingestion with severe vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pains and can last for few days; this is followed by what seems to be a recovery for few days but ending in death from kidney and liver failure. Look and admire only!! I thought I will share this info with you, as everyone always asks me how one dies from mushroom poisoning. Well, no-one dies under my watch, as I meticulously check every basket, before people depart home.

Amanita Flavoconia in her elegant outfit!

Birch Polypores

I am not praying, but sniffing Matsutake Mushroom

And here it is, the first Matsutake of the season, emerging from a network of mycelia. Famously called 'Pine Mushroom', these mushrooms are popular due to their distinctive taste and dense, rubbery texture and spicy smell. Variously described as similar to cinnamon, gym socks, or even pine resin.

Stunning Ink Caps.

We rested in this paradise to do some Forest Bathing and enjoyed Chaga and Tulsi Tea.

Chef Fiona prepared an amazing Autumn feast for us, including a heart warming mushroom soup.

And the cake, as always, was to die for. Mille Crepes with Lilac Honey & Tahini Cream

So who will join us on October 26th for more fun and adventure into the wild?

Our last tour of this year will be on November 9th, we will forage for oyster mushrooms and medicinal mushrooms and you can also book your place now.

This month I have also launched two new products.

I feel like we all need a Brain Power Tea in our daily life. It is a powerful blend that will enhance cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and mental clarity. It can also help to reduce stress & anxiety, by calming the nervous system and promoting a positive mood. Ginko was picked in June during my visit to Europe and brough all the way from Poland. My sister has two beautiful trees. The harvesting was a joint family effort. Extra special!

The healt issues that Seaweed adress are profound and vast, making them invaluable resource for our health. Each group of seaweeds has different bioactives and influences every organ and system in our bodies. There are three colour categories of seaweed, with Kelp belonging to the brown one. The constituents in brown seaweeds are as follow: - Iodine- especially supportive for thyroid and hormonal health as well as the brain function. - Alginates- eliminate toxins in the intestines, keeping the colon clear and maintaining bowel regularity. They act as a prebiotic and help to feed the good bacteria. -Laminarin- lines the cells of intestines, also having a positive influence on the colon. - Fucoxanthin- has a cancer preventative influence on the body, also high in antioxidants. - Fucoidan- has similar properties to some of the medicinal mushrooms, it is highly inflammatory and acts as an immuno modulator. Just like medicinal mushrooms the compunds are better absorbed and digested through heat. Do you need more reasons to consume seaweed every day? Our seaweed powder containing all groups of seaweed will be back in stock in November.

So for now my dear ones, take time to savour the colours and head out to nature! She will reward you in many ways. Always!

May the Forest and Mushrooms be with you my friends.

Jolanta