|
Fall Flowers
back to Ramblings
About a week ago we had our first rain of the season. This compelled me to take my camera out to see what I could find in the gardens before the flowers were beaten down by the first real storm in over eight months. Not that I was counting (like heck I wasn’t). We were so excited to get some measurable precipitation that it was actually fun to think about what needed to be taken care of before that wet stuff fell from the sky.
Come with me through the garden so I can show you what I found hanging on, making a last show as the seasons change.
These are blooming for the second time, and we appreciate it!
The trunks of these trees/bushes are a sight to behold all by themselves. These plants give three ways - gorgeous blossoms, beautiful fall leaf color, and gorgeous wood as they age. What more can you ask?
These are coleus that I put in my deck pots every spring, starting with little six-packs. They are apt to freeze soon and I will be throwing them on the compost pile. Then it will be time to plant some pansies to amuse me through the winter months.
A friend was throwing out this old wooden ladder and I said, “Oh, no you’re not!” Electric Horseman just groaned when I changed the aim of his throw from the dumpster to the bed of our pickup. I knew it would be great for the garden. Every year I plant some climbing plant on it - this year it was a morning glory..
 |
morning glory with canna peeking in
|
 |
morning glories climbing a dogwood
|
One of my favorites in a fall garden are the hydrangeas that bloomed long ago and have now “dried” on the bush.
In case you haven’t noticed, Mama Nature did not provide us with a lot of blue flowers. And the ones that we do have are often a “sick” blue. Butterfly and I are partial to this yummy specimen:
Unfortunately, in our neck of the woods the winters can sometimes be hard on it. Some winters they survive, some winters they go to the great garden in the sky.
Butterfly’s tiered garden above her driveway is looking especially nice.
I love the bright colors of lantana and the way it spills over ledges and hillsides.
This could be one of the reasons I am constantly vacuuming! These dogs drag all kinds of messes into the house.
 |
red grass with phlox behind
|
Grasses are a wonderful addition to any garden. They are lovely to look at all summer, all fall, and even into the winter when they have dried. Their form and their movement make them a pleasure … unless they’re the invasive sort! Avoid those at all cost!
How can you go wrong with long-blooming roses? And it never hurts to leave a few old blossoms to turn into rose hips, for some extra fall color.
The trees and bushes are just beginning to turn.
It was a good thing I took these pictures because our storm was a pretty good one. We got 5/8 of an inch of rain and the next day most of my phlox were trying to kiss the ground. This weekend we are having some gusty north winds. Soon I will have to get out there and start the winter cleanup, saying good-bye to all of these flowers who have made such a glorious display.
The seasons, they are a’changin’ … but since this is good ol' California, the winds are drying and our fire danger is still very high. We need rain, lots of rain, to put that worry to rest.
| Request an E-mail Alert for New Blogs! |
|
|
|
|
|
