A fresh start and a change of season

Looking at how the garden has changed got me thinking about the shop, too. Both take a bit of planning, some clearing out and a lot of work behind the scenes before the next stage takes shape.

Sitting in the garden at the weekend, I found myself thinking about how much has changed and how much there is to look forward to.

The garden has taken plenty of work to get to this stage. Looking back at earlier photos, with bare earth, old borders and building work under way, makes me appreciate where it is now. It’s lovely to have a space to sit for a moment and let my thoughts wander, even if they do eventually find their way back to the shop!

It feels like a moment between seasons here in Devizes, too. The Food & Drink Festival has just finished, and DOCCA’s final carnival events, the Colour Rush Run and Confetti Battle, have brought those celebrations to a close. Now October is almost here, with a different kind of bustle ahead.

For me, October also marks the start of a new financial year. Stocktaking and cleaning might not sound like the most exciting way to begin, but there’s something satisfying about getting organised and starting afresh.

So this week I’ll be counting stock and giving the shop a thorough deep clean. It’s a chance to give everything some attention and make room for what comes next.

Once that’s completed, I’ll begin bringing the Christmas stock into the shop, a little at a time. There’s still autumn to enjoy, but I’m looking forward to sharing the first hints of the festive season with you as things take shape.

Just like the garden, there’s work to do before everything is ready. But that preparation is part of the pleasure, seeing things come together and imagining what they’ll become.