Preparing the Winter Garden

The garden is beginning to get that feel. You know, the feeling that it's slowing down, yawning and anxious to fall asleep. Or is that the feeling I have? Sitting in the gazebo, I'm noticing small things that are still lovely despite the shorter sunny days and cooler nights.

I cut some Endless Summer hydrangeas yesterday. Their bright blue flowers have turned to that spectacular green with tinges of dusky pink. They will dry in the house over the next few months, changing colors and gaining that wonderful vintage look.

A small posy to brighten a garden corner. I'm planning to plant more Spring blooming bulbs later in November when the earth has cooled.

As we know.........a garden is never finished.

Summer goodbyes.......

As Summer wanes the garden takes on a new persona. One is inclined to mourn the fast-fading flowers. The roses surprise with a seemingly last spurt, then wave goodbye. The coleus goes to seed but will flower until the first frost. The baskets brimming over with Boston Ferns look brittle, their green more muted - but the birds still love them and peck busily at what must be mealtime ants.

The flags of Summer will be lowered soon. Recalling our own days on the blue waters of beautiful Northern California Lake Almanor, the liquid pleasures of boating, sailing, paddling, rowing......even just sitting and looking.....provide indelible memories great enough to take us through the coming cool seasons.

Gazing about the garden I am ready to welcome Autumn. I look forward to the beauty it bestows upon us. Here in beautiful North Carolina we are fortunate to have so many trees which change color...................so bring on the gold, red, yellow and orange. I'm ready for a wonderful new season.

Are you a lover of Autumn?

Do you prefer cool weather to hot?

How about dressing for the Fall........do you like donning a cuddly sweater, snuggling into socks and tall boots?