Autumn. I love the first rain of the season. After a long, hot, dry summer, the first rain is always a most welcome event. The dust settles. The leaves are washed clean. The first storm, however, is often not a gentle one, not an easy transition into a new season. Our gardens are a little worse for wear after the storm.
The deck is littered with leaves from the beautiful oaks overhead.
The grasses are leaning.
Impatiens and coleus can't lift their heads.
Storm-battered butterfly
Some things, however, seem to flourish in the cooler, wet weather.
The phlox still smell wonderful!
Elephant ears are thriving.
Hyacinth beans are growing rapidly.
Hyacinth beans are beautiful!
Moss and lichen look beautiful on this rock.
It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the moss revives after a long, hot summer. A week ago it was brown and dry. After just one storm, it has become moist, luscious and a beautiful green.
The birds are busy this time of year, making the most of the flowers that are going to seed. Not long ago I ran across an article about untidy gardens and the value of leaving many things in our gardens untouched for the benefit of the wildlife. The author would be very proud of my untidy garden!
Gloriosa Daisy
Gloriosa daisy gone to seed.
The birds, finches in particular, love the gloriosa seeds. They hang on the plants and eat their fill.
Sunflowers seeds are another favorite of the birds.
The first storm was just a teaser.
Here comes the sun!
One in. of rain is a good start to the rainy season. We’ll be staking flowers for awhile. Nothing tidy after the welcome rain, but birds don’t mind, why should we? The gloriosa daisies were especially nice this year
Doesn’t everything look lovely after rain? Enjoyed your pictures, as always.
This reminds me of a book you might enjoy – “Noah’s Garden”, by Sara Bonnet Stein. It’s all about living in harmony with Mother Nature. Very interesting!
Thanks – I always enjoy your book recommendations!