Originally printed in the Jewish Tribune
I wanted to celebrate this past summer as we slowly progress towards the autumnal months.
Many years ago, when our children were young, we rented a beautiful house with an outdoor pool to enjoy some lovely swimming days. The first summer, we had great weather and used the pool daily. The second summer was when we realised what an English summer was, as we ran into the pool between rain
showers. I remember looking out the window at the empty pool and thinking, why have an outdoor pool in England?
These past few weeks have been an anomaly for an English summer. The sun has been generous, the skies blue with white, fluffy pillow clouds, and the rain, usually our most faithful visitor, has taken a holiday of its own. In all my years of living here in England, I can count on one hand the summers that have been this beautiful.
For me, it has been a real gift. I love sitting in my garden with a cup of iced coffee, a good view of my flowers, and the sound of the chirping birds. My garden is small, but over the years I’ve coaxed every inch into something that brings me joy. Each year around Shavuos times, I take my annual meander through the garden centre, picking out plants that will add colour and charm to the season ahead.
It’s funny how gardens, like summers, evolve as our lives do. When we first moved into our house, the garden was paved in beautiful stone, perfect for footballs but not for little children.
Then came the grass years, when little knees needed a soft landing. Now, with no small feet running daily across it, I’ve moved to slate chips and containers, a design that suits my quieter routines.
These days, my grandchildren bring the garden to life. Each has their favourite spot; some like to water the plants with grand ceremony, and others prefer to sway gently on the hammock with a teddy tucked under one arm. This summer’s highlight was celebrating one of my grandchildren’s 16th birthday in the garden, laughter, music and cake spilling into the long, golden evening.
When I think back, each chapter of my life has had its kind of summer. The summers of childhood seemed endless, scented with cut grass and possibility. The summers of young motherhood were busy, noisy, and full, more chasing and sand than serenity. Now, my summers have a slower rhythm, with space for reflection and the joy of watching the next generation create their memories.
Time changes our summers, just as it changes us. But if we look closely, each one still holds its beauty, a reminder that every season of life has something worth savouring.
These days, I’m also more aware of how I spend my time outdoors. The garden isn’t just a place to
enjoy; it’s become integral to my midlife health plan. A little sunshine helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone strength, something we women need to pay extra attention to during perimenopause and post menopause. Just ten to fifteen minutes of sun on the arms and face a few times a week can help, though here in England we’re not always blessed with the weather to make that easy.
But like all things, there’s a balance to be struck. Sun safety matters just as much as getting enough vitamin D. I’ve learned the art of the wide-brimmed hat, and I keep a bottle of SPF 30 on the garden table as a reminder. Even on a cloudy day, UV rays can sneak through, and protecting our skin is one of the best gifts we can give our future selves. I recently learned that our skin gets thinner and drier as we age, making it even more important to use sunscreen. Topping it up every few hours is essential to get the full benefits.
Gardening has health benefits; bending, lifting, stretching, and walking keep us moving without feeling like exercise. The fresh air, the fragrance of herbs and flowers, and even the simple act of tending to a plant soothe the mind and lower stress. For me, it’s a place to breathe deeply, think clearly, and remind myself that growth in gardens and life is often a slow but beautiful process.
So yes, summers change, just like we do. But if you ask me, each one can be a season of health, joy, and colour, all from the comfort of a bit of garden chair or, in my case, a swinging hammock.
Chani Schreibhand is our founder and Editor.
Shes a trained menopause coach.
Chani also has a column in the Jewish Tribune called Bubby's View.
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