Midsummer magic

The sun-filled hours of the summer solstice herald the days of magic and enchanted evenings ahead.

Friday is St John’s Eve. There are fresh herbs to pick and the first of the peas to harvest. And dotted about the floor of the woodland end of the garden the barest handful of tiny, bright wild strawberries to gather.

After a simple, seasonal feast we’ll head out into the meadows beyond the house, and watch as the setting sun casts its spell; turning everything to gold.

On Saturday we’ll celebrate midsummer in little ways; a trip out to the fete at a neighbouring village, foraging for elderflowers, or strawberry picking in the soothing setting of Medley Manor Farm. As a quarter day, midsummer is a marker in the year; an excuse to stop and take notice of the good things around us, and to be grateful for what we have.

In the evening, as dusk falls, we’ll light a fire outside, hang lanterns in the trees, and stay up to watch the stars.