As the seasons shift and autumn begins to weave its golden thread through the Children’s Memorial Garden, we find ourselves surrounded by change, in nature, and in life.

The fields are still full of life, though the pace of growth has slowed as the air cools and the days shorten. Beans, courgettes, kale and chard continue to thrive, while a new arrival has brought a cheerful splash of colour to the garden, our tiny pumpkins.

These small, round bursts of orange and cream are perfect for roasting and bring a sense of warmth and comfort to the season. Although pumpkins are usually found sprawling along the ground, our miniature varieties grow vertically, climbing the posts in our polytunnel and sharing space with our climbing beans. It’s a beautiful reminder that growth can take unexpected paths.

Last weekend saw the return of our Pumpkin Patch Open Day, and what a wonderful success it was! Families and visitors joined us to pick their favourite pumpkins and explore the gardens in their autumn colours. Thank you to everyone who came along, your smiles and generosity truly filled the garden with warmth.

The good news?
You can still visit our Pumpkin Patch this week — the gates are open from Monday 20th to Thursday 23rd, 09:30am–12:00pm.
Entry is free, and donations are always welcome.

Come and discover several beautiful varieties growing in the patch:
Connecticut Field – classic carving pumpkins.
Queensland Blue – slate-grey skin and treacle-sweet flavour.
Crown Prince – ghostly pale squash with a nutty sweetness.
Warty Goblin – bright orange and wonderfully textured.

As always, every harvest we gather is donated to One Can Foodbank and Wycombe Food Hub, helping local families in need. It’s a gesture of giving that reflects the heart of our work, a space built from love, remembrance, and community kindness.

Autumn often brings with it a time of reflection. The changing leaves, the cooling air, and the gentle quiet that follows summer can stir deep emotions, especially for those grieving or remembering a loved one. Here at the Children’s Memorial Garden, the season invites visitors to slow down, breathe, and find comfort in the beauty of nature’s cycles.

Whether you visit to walk through the garden’s peaceful paths, sit beneath the trees, or simply spend time in quiet thought, autumn offers a moment to reconnect, with yourself, your memories, and the natural world.

If you’d like to visit or book an appointment, we’d love to welcome you.
Gates open: Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd, 09:30am–12:00pm
Location: Lower Icknield Way, Princes Risborough HP27 9RL
Read more: The Children’s Memorial Garden Blog
Learn more about our work: About Us – The Children’s Memorial Garden

Did You Know?

Spending just 20 minutes outdoors can lower stress hormones by up to 21%.
Research shows gardening supports emotional healing by promoting mindfulness and gentle physical movement.
Autumn colours, especially orange and gold, are linked to feelings of warmth, comfort, and connection.

The Children’s Memorial Garden continues to grow, not just in colour, but in community, compassion, and care.