💌From My Nest to Yours

Hello Reader,

Happy October! 🍂 While I don’t have fiery maples or golden leaves drifting down outside my window, I’ve been soaking up my own kind of fall beauty here in Florida. It’s a softer, subtler shift—but one I’ve grown to love more and more each year.

🌿Nature Right Now

Many of the perennials in my garden are bouncing back now that the summer heat has finally eased. The marigolds are blooming again—bright little suns scattered across the garden—and the pentas and shrimp plants are buzzing with life. Florida’s autumn may not be painted in crimson and fiery gold, but the return of soft pinks and cheerful yellows feels just as enchanting.

✨Reflections of Wonder

I’ll admit—I still long for a “true” autumn sometimes, the kind with crisp air and hillsides awash in amber and scarlet. But over the years, I’ve come to really appreciate the gentler rhythm of fall here in Florida.

This season feels like a quiet revival after the intensity of summer. The Brazilian red cloak, plumbagos, marigolds, pentas, and shrimp plants all seem to wake up again, adding bursts of color that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It’s a good reminder that beauty doesn’t always look like we expect it to.

If you’d like to see a peek of my garden and the marigolds in their full spring/summer glory, they make a few sunny cameos in my earlier backyard birdwatching vlog—you can watch it below.

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👩🏾‍🌾Garden Notes: Simple ways to bring fall color and life to your space!

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• If you’re in a warm climate: Try long-blooming tropicals like marigolds, pentas, shrimp plants, or jatropha to keep pollinators active through the cooler months.
• If you’re in a cooler region: Consider asters, goldenrod, or ornamental kale for a pop of seasonal color that can handle chilly nights.
• Add a shallow birdbath or small fountain—fresh water attracts migrating songbirds no matter where you live.

Whether your autumn garden glows with fiery foliage or bright blooms, the key is noticing how the season shows itself where you are.

👀Behind the Binoculars

Alongside filming these garden moments, I’ve started savoring a slower daily rhythm: blending my own loose-leaf teas and sipping a warm cup outside. It’s become a small grounding practice that helps me pause, notice what’s blooming, and listen for the soft chatter of birds moving through on their fall migration.

Even just a few minutes with a warm drink can shift the pace of the day.
​Try this: Create your own five-minute “pause” outdoors—whether it’s tea, journaling, or simply sitting quietly long enough to hear the birds. Little habits like these can help you feel more connected to this beautiful change of seasons.🍁

🕊️Until Next Time

Wherever you are, I hope you’re finding your own version of seasonal joy this month. Thanks for spending a little time with me—I’m always so glad you’re here.

Take care, Courtney | Naturally Courtney 🌸 ​ 📔 Backyard Birdwatching Starter Guide​ 🌿 NaturallyCourtney.me​ © Naturally Courtney. All writing, photos, and videos are original work. All rights reserved.

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