November: fog, remembrance and the anticipation of winter magic!

November: fog, remembrance and the anticipation of winter magic!

You can already feel the transition: November has arrived and brings with it a mixture of fog, hoarfrost and cooler temperatures. The meadows are often covered in frost, especially in the morning, giving autumn a final but atmospheric glow. Senior Rudolf, 70 years old, enjoys the cool days and goes looking for rose hips and sloes in the area. For him, November is not only the time before winter, but also the time of harvest and nature.

In another corner, senior Gerda, 68, sits comfortably with her plants. “The heating costs are rising, but I can’t resist a little warmth,” she smiles. It's the time when many gardeners bring their plants into the warmth while also thinking about what they need to prepare for the cold season. After all, November is not just a transitional month, it also offers the opportunity to do a few last garden tasks, such as collecting leaves or planting bulbs for spring bloomers.

Autumn traditions and preparations

The children's community, on the other hand, can benefit from the All Saints holidays. Elementary school student Lotte, 9 years old, enjoys the time with a cup of rosehip tea and a few chocolate chips. But not everyone has it so relaxed: 15-year-old Jonas complains about the stressful everyday school life, which is full of rehearsals and homework. “I can only hope that the first snow will come soon,” he says hopefully.

November also brings with it quiet holidays, such as Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday. The lantern parade in St. Martin also delights young and old alike and is a reminder of the traditions of the region. At the same time, Anna, 28, devotes herself to reading by candlelight. “I find it annoying that the Christmas trees are sold so early,” she says reassuringly as she delves into her book.

Gardening in November

Garden lovers know: November still has a lot to offer. It is recommended to winterize the garden by sheltering plants for the winter and preparing the soil. According to Plantura, planting is still possible in November, including trees and shrubs as well as final pots of vegetables such as garlic and Jerusalem artichokes. However, the vegetable patch is also in retreat; some plants have already come in and the garden is preparing for the cold season.

Vegetable growing in November includes:

• Blumenkohl
• Rosenkohl
• Rote Beete
• Pastinaken
• Fenchel

In the orchard, late varieties of apples and pears can be harvested, while berry bushes need the first pruning. It's the perfect time to give the lawn a final cut and regularly remove leaves to protect the grasses.

A look into the past and into the future

November, which means nine in Latin, is now the eleventh and penultimate month of the year in the calendar. In ancient times it was synonymous with festive celebrations organized by the Romans. These traditions are reflected in many ways in the customs that are still celebrated today. At a time when we are increasingly connecting with nature and the harvest, November shows us that it is not just about persevering in the cold, but also about remembering and looking forward to the new.

November is seen by many as a mixed bag, a time full of the art of living as we prepare for winter and also look ahead to the holidays to come. A good time to look back and at the same time take a look at the new possibilities. And who knows, maybe the snow will soon bring the expected joy for young and old.