My Fall Garden

It’s finally raining. Cold drizzles after a week of summer-like weather that saw shorts, capris, sun dresses and sandals back in vogue after being put away for warmer togs. Patios were back in business and people-watching was the thing to do again. My family piled their plates high and ate Thanksgiving dinner on our patio and sat out, having fun, late into the night with the help of citronella candles, to annoy the bugs, retrieved from storage.

The patio chair cushions have now been put away along with the garden art. The last of the habanero peppers have been picked. The bushes have been trimmed, vines pulled down from the walls and fences, the annuals have been pulled and will become compost. The urns in the front of the house are now sporting yellow mums. Spring bulbs have been planted, perennials divided and replanted in different areas and the grass, fertilized and reseeded.   The birdbath remains through all seasons and the pond spitter will be unplugged when the cold weather settles in.

Yellow-tinged Hosta

Yet, I gaze out at my garden and see the beauty of this wondrous season, autumn. I see the black soil where a few weeks ago plants were blooming. I see the fence, cleared of this year’s trumpet vine and now ready for regrowth in the spring. I look at the bare walls were ivy and more vines grew; where tiny birds roosted at night. I look at the plants that come into their glory at this time of year: the fall asters, the absolutely gorgeous, will soon be living-up-to-its-name, burning bush, the scraggly mum that is being crowded out of its space but continues to sprawl across the grass in its pink glory, yellow tinged hostas and surprisingly, a brave Shasta daisy, all alone on its bush.

This is my favourite season. I love the change of pace, the cooler temperatures, the bittersweet feel of the garden. Yes, leaves are starting to fall, foliage is dying back but underneath the soil, there’s work in progress for that promise of renewal that never disappoints; the promise of spring.

Will keep you posted.