It’s an overcast day with the threat of rain again. We’ve had nearly an inch in the past couple of days so it’s a good time to pull weeds. No sun beating down, the temperature is warm but a bit crisp, a hint that September will be upon us before we realize it. I look at my landscape and observe that the colors of my autumn garden are in stark contrast to what it is in the spring and early summer. Then, I have lots of pastels: pink, white, and lavender with a few dark purples thrown in for contrast. Now I have yellow, orange, red, purple, and some deep hot pink cooled by a few whites and pale pinks. It’s a riot of color that somehow seems appropriate now.
The plants themselves are at their peak of size, creating interesting textures and patterns as they grow into each other. An Artemisia has yellow pansy blooms peeking through the silvery foliage while Penstemon barbatus ‘Scarlet Bugler’spikes tower over the lacy foliage and multitude of white blooms on Tanacetum niveum. My Sedum telephium ‘Autumn Joy’ plants have grown way beyond my expectations as well as what the typical height is supposed to be. They will need to be moved a bit further back in the perennial border as they hide my Stella De Oro Daylilies. The Sedums are so big they can be divided. I will pass a few along to my sister-in-law who admired them last week.
There will be some work to do a bit later. There will be some bulbs to plant, more mulch will be added, more Peonies to be planted, and some plants will be cut back or removed. But for now, I enjoy the garden and the birds, butterflies, and small animals that are attracted by it. Chipmunks cavort among the stacked stones that edge my raised beds. Their antics are amusing even thought I know they are a bit destructive. They do keep their distance for the most part as they must be ever mindful of Molly, the cat. Incredible numbers of Hummingbirds hover in the garden and at the feeders on my decks. I love watching them and don’t mind that they go through ten pounds of sugar every week. The butterflies flit in and around the flowers, looking for their favorite nectar sources. Swallowtails have been numerous this year while Monarchs have not been seen.
I make mental notes as I walk around about things to do later this fall or next spring. I still have areas that need to be reseeded with grass. That will have to wait until next year. In the far reaches of our property, I found an ornate iron headboard that I want to use as a trellis. I can’t decide where to put it. It will mean a new or expanded bed. It will take a few, perhaps many, more walks through the garden before I determine its eventual placement. Another spot in the landscape needs some kind of art or ornament. It might be a found object or maybe something purchased. I’ll know when I see it.
Autumn is my very favorite season. The fruits of my earlier labor are evident throughout the landscape. I walk through the garden with my cup of tea or glass of wine or just sit and observe from the deck or under a tree. It’s a glorious season, a colorful view, and I take it all in, as I know it won’t last. But for now, I enjoy.