Three Things We’re Loving This October: Gardens, Lotus & Wildflowers
As the seasons shift toward Spring, I find myself turning more and more to the simple rituals that bring nourishment, beauty, and a sense of connection to both place and time. This month, I’ve been inspired by the grounding presence of my garden, the wisdom of an ancient flower still revered today, and the wild beauty of our coastal walks here on the South Coast. I hope these “Three Things” bring you a little calm, curiosity, and wonder too.
Delicious: My Garden
There’s a particular magic in stepping barefoot into the garden and gathering what you’ve grown yourself. The garden has become both sanctuary and teacher for me, reminding me to slow down, to notice, and to work with the seasons rather than against them.
This year, my tomatoes ripened in the full warmth of the sun, bursting with sweetness that no store-bought tomato could ever compare to. Herbs like basil, parsley, rosemary... perfume the kitchen and make the simplest meals feel elevated. Even a handful of freshly cut greens feels like a gift when you’ve nurtured it from seed.
There’s a deep grounding in this ritual of tending, harvesting, and cooking with what’s on hand. It connects me to the earth and to cycles of growth, rest, and renewal. Homegrown produce isn’t just delicious; it’s a reminder that beauty and nourishment often begin right at our own back doors.
Vibrant: Blue Lotus Essential Oil
Few flowers carry as much history and mystique as the Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea), sometimes called the Sacred Blue Lily. Though often mistaken for the lotus, it is, in fact, a water lily — its blossoms an otherworldly blue, floating delicately on the surface of still water.
In Ancient Egypt, the Blue Lotus was more than just a flower. It appeared on temple walls, in tombs, and in sacred texts, celebrated as a symbol of creation, rebirth, and divine connection. Its flowers opened with the morning sun and closed again at dusk, mirroring the daily journey of light and life. The Egyptians believed it held spiritual power, opening the heart, calming the mind, and helping the spirit transcend the ordinary world.
Beyond its cultural and spiritual resonance, the Blue Lotus also carries therapeutic qualities that are still valued today. Its fragrance is soft yet complex, both floral and slightly sweet. Traditionally, it has been used as a relaxant, aphrodisiac, and aid for meditation. Modern aromatherapy often calls on it to ease stress and anxiety, to invite stillness, or to deepen moments of spiritual practice.
For me, the Blue Lotus is a reminder of the way scent can transform the everyday into ritual. A drop of essential oil, a quiet inhale, and suddenly the mind softens, the breath steadies, and a sense of timelessness lingers.
Beautiful: The South Pacific Heathland Reserve
For those of you near the South Coast or anyone planning a visit... the South Pacific Heathland Reserve in Ulladulla is one of the most beautiful places to wander right now. This 14-hectare reserve is home to an incredible variety of native plants, and in spring it comes alive with colour.
The real stars at the moment are the flannel flowers. Their delicate white petals, brushed with silver-green, look almost like they’ve stepped out of a fairytale. To walk among them with the ocean as a backdrop feels at once grounding and uplifting, nature therapy at its most simple and profound.
The heathland walk is an easy, peaceful trail that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in the beauty of our coastline. These blooms are fleeting, and that’s part of what makes them so special. A reminder of resilience, grace, and the gifts that come from wild places.
You can find more about the reserve here: South Pacific Heathland Reserve
