My Favourite Books for a Slow Journey Through the Seasons
I find that seasonal-inspired books are the perfect companions as I move through the year. I love taking my time with them, slowly exploring all the little nature-filled wonders waiting to be discovered.
I gather so much seasonal inspiration from them, along with simple, nourishing ideas for bringing what I read into my own everyday life.
I love dipping in and out of them throughout the year and discovering the beauty each season has to offer, while learning all about what’s currently blooming, trying recipes with seasonal ingredients, finding ways to welcome nature into the garden and enjoying gentle reminders to slow down and find joy in each season.
Below, I’ve shared a few of my favourite books for a slow journey through the seasons.
I wonder if you have a favourite one that’s sitting on your bookshelf? Maybe you’ve enjoyed one or two of the books I’ve mentioned below, or perhaps you’ll add them to your reading pile.
A Wilding Year by Hannah Dale
This is a book that I was so eager to get a copy of and read. If you haven’t heard of Hannah Dale, you’ll have most likely heard of Wrendale Designs, which was founded by Hannah in 2012. I’m a big Wrendale fan and I absolutely adore hannah’s illustrations.
I’ve been following Hannah and her husband Jack’s Instagram page, @wild_wrendale, for quite some some time now, and it’s such a joy to see just how beautifully they’ve been rewilding their farm in rural Lincolnshire, and discovering all the wildlife who visit and call it their home.
This book is a wonderful and personal look at their journey, as Hannah takes us through each month of the year on their farm. It’s filled full of Hannah’s illustrations, and is both a journal and sketchbook.
This book is a lovely reminder that even after all the damage the natural world has very sadly faced (and is still facing), nature is still incredibly resilient. When we give it a little space, it can thrive in the most beautiful ways, and even just small acts of rewilding can make such a huge and positive difference.
I’ve seen this in our own little garden too. Even in such a small space, it’s amazing what can grow and flourish when we let nature lead.
The Herbal Year by Christina Hart-Davies
I’m so fascinated by the history and stories of plants, particularly those that are so often overlooked, the ones that appear in our daily lives so commonly they’re thought of as weeds. I love learning about their medicinal properties and their many healing benefits. They’re not so ordinary after all!
A favourite on my bookshelf is The Herbal Year. Christina shares all about the different plants that appear in each season. It’s beautifully written and accompanied by wonderful illustrations and lovely recipes.
Did you know that meadowsweet was once an ideal strewing herb and is said to have been a favourite of Elizabeth I? In folk medicine, parsley was used as a natural breath freshener, apparently even effective at getting rid of garlic breath. And an infusion made from chamomile flowers was used as a final rinse for the hair.
The Country Commonplace Book by Miranda Mills
This book is most definitely a treasure trove. It’s filled full of seasonal quotes, recipes, book lists, poems, observations on the natural world, and so much more. The perfect seasonal companion.
It’s such a beautiful book to keep close for moments of inspiration, cosy reading, and those times when you feel like making something delicious, like lavender shortbread, rose petal and cinnamon tea, or wild garlic and three cheese scones.
I’ve been introduced to so many wonderful pieces of poetry and books to read, along with nature-inspired quotes to add to my ever-growing collection.
…Miranda also has a new book coming out soon called The Cosy Commonplace Book, which I’m so excited about.
The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden
Written in 1906, Edith beautifully takes us through each season, month by month, capturing them in both her words and her paintings. Included is also some of her favourite poems, along with her observations and reflections on the wildlife she saw and her deep love for the natural world, all written by hand.
“It is very pretty to see the House Martins sitting in the roadway, collecting mud for their nests. Their short feathered legs look as if they had little white socks on. I was quite surprised to come upon a bank of beautiful purple fox-gloves today - fully out. These are the first I have seen in flower.”
I find it so lovely and fascinating to be able to travel back over 100 years and join Edith on her walks and travels, as she records and notes down daily all that she sees. I love how this charming and whimsical book gently reminds us of all the beauty that’s around us, especially when we slow down, stay curious, and really take a moment to notice it.
Do you have a favourite seasonal book that you return to year after year?
In this blog post, you’ll find a few of my favourite books for everyday inspiration. It may add a few more books to your reading pile!
If you’d like some more bookish inspiration, I’d love for you to join me over on my Journal of Soulful Reflections, for my monthly series called From the Book Corner… It’s all about books!