To welcome the autumn season to Vancouver this year, here are some things that bring us joy:

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1. Patio Seating with Lady Grey Tea

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For our Principal Designer Laurel, this is the best time of year. She loves the crispness of the morning air -- especially as it sweeps around orange leaves and hot cups of Lady Grey tea. Laurel is amongst the cohort of brave Vancouverites who continue their daily walks and bike rides despite the change in climate. It's no wonder that a great patio set-up is essential for Laurel. On her patio is a collection of designer outdoor furniture with water-proof pillows.

We love the Portico Collection for outdoor furniture. For the awning and wind barrier, ask our essential services team about installing custom outdoor features.

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2. Autumn Gardening for Garlic

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For London, our green-thumb-gardener-in-training, this is the year that homegrown garlic will be coming to the Novella's cooking handbook.

Garlic takes about nine months to grow, and the fall is the best time to start! This perennial needs a cold period for a proper bulb to grow. We start by finding suitable ground: rich, well-drained soil. Dig well, add compost (lots of it if your soil is heavy) and do not compact it by stepping on it. Choose some large cloves, and set each one pointy-end up, about 10-15cm (4-6”) apart and with the tip of the clove 2-5cm (1-2”) deep. Don’t skin the cloves! We want to keep them protected. You can also cover them with layer of mulch.

In the spring, fertilize and water as needed. In order to keep energy in the bulb, cut the flower stalks and garlic scapes. If left on the garlic plant, the scapes will flower and then seed but the bulb won't grow as large! The garlic scapes can be harvested and used for pickling, garlic butter, or garlic garnishes too. When the tops begin to dry, pull and air-dry like onions. Eat with joy!

For this planting and everything else, London uses Foxgloves. They are worthy of an instagram photoshoot, impressively soft, and practical above all. Her manicure stays intact, her arms are dirt-free, and she keeps the dexterity needed for some precise planting. (Coming to our Marketplace soon!)

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3. Turkish Towels for Warmth and Staying Dry

This is the season of great knit weavings. Is there such thing as too many? Colleen has been using her Turkish Towel for almost everything! She loves it so much we wanted to share it with all of you. It is the perfect wrap for around your shoulders, the best thick blanket for feet around the fire, and a towel for after your dip in the pool! Our team hasn't gone swimming for awhile, but it's been a great absorbent down for after a walk in the rain.

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These towels are handmade in Turkey with a 100% Natural Turkish Cotton. The soft cotton is lightweight and super absorbent, making them dry much more quickly than a traditional cotton terry towel. This makes the Turkish Towel versatile for bath and beach: excellent as a wrap, throw blanket and guest towel. Turkish Towels are known to become even softer, fluffier, and more absorbent with successive washings.

We can't wait to use them beside a hot tub!

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Overall, our team is busy visiting our local parks. We'd love to hear what brings you joy in the autumn months @novellaoutdoors or with #novellaexperience.

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