There were a few surprises in the garden this time. The weather has definitely turned cool, and many summer perennials are starting to die down. Some trees are just beginning to change colors, and I had a few surprise blooms over the last two weeks.
Surprise Daylily
The most unexpected was the return of this daylily in the veggie garden. It was one of the first to appear in Spring, and I guess is a repeat bloomer! I’ve had another two or three blooms over the last few weeks on this plant.
Daylily and Mums
Here you can see it near the mums and aster–both of which are now finished blooming.
Mums
The mums on the front steps are doing pretty well too and are still flowering.
Hydrangea buds
Another surprise was this hydrangea bud–it looks like it wants to blossom. Is this what buds look like for next years blooms? I wouldn’t think so because I don’t see any more like this. I’m a bit perplexed.
Another Aster
I also found this aster–growing close to the ground. It’s flowers and leaves are a bit bigger than the little “Fairy” white asters I’ve been seeing all over the place. Here’s a shot of the other kind (which I think may be a wild version) for comparison.
Daisy Aster Flower
Most of the little wild asters are about finished blooming as well. I have a few last stragglers, but the peak is over.
Last of the Red Lobelia
Speaking of stragglers, there were a few last Cardinal Flower (Lobelia) blooms. These you can see are actually growing up from a large stalk that toppled over. There was a large flower on the top of this stalk earlier this year too- but I guess it just wasn’t ready to give up.
Pink Lobelia ‘Monet’s Masterpiece”
The pink Lobelia or “Monet’s Masterpiece” also had a short little second bloomer. I hope this guy likes his new home enough to come back next year.
Pink Roses
The roses aren’t done yet either. This is a lighter pink, maybe a teacup rose? It might also be a knockout variety. I’m not really sure. Roses are great though, and they will put out blooms nearly all year long if it’s not too cold. I will definitely need to cut them back next year though, as some of them are getting a little leggy.
Knock Out Roses
These darker pink knockout roses love to bloom. Cutting these back in the spring should mean an abundance of blooms next year.
Camilia explosion
In abundance this year, because it was not cut back after it bloomed last year, this camelia is still exploding with blooms. It’s really wonderful, and we can see lots of flowers just outside our kitchen window. I don’t think I’m going to cut it back too much except to what will help it be healthy because we don’t mind not being able to see our neighbors for flowers.
Butterfly House
I am trying to encourage more neighbors to make a home though- butterflies! My parents gave me this butterfly house as a present last year and I’ve (finally) put it up! Not too long after doing this (and completely unrelated I’m sure) I saw a Monarch butterfly in the yard. I was very excited and tried to take some pictures, but my camera phone is just not good enough.
Mushrooms
More cold (and wet) weather plants are popping up. I’ve had many more mushrooms all over the yard (and driveway) come out.
Poets Laurel berries
The Poet’s Laurel is starting to put out it’s orange colored berries.
Nandina Berries ripening
The berries on it’s sister plant, Nandina, are also starting to ripen and turn bright red.
Lords and Ladies reemerging
The Lords and Ladies are starting to come back out after it’s summer siesta. I was starting to worry because I hadn’t seen them before yesterday.
Lords and Ladies
But they are definitely coming back!
Viburnum Changing Color
And the most recognizable aspect of fall–the changing colors of the leaves! This viburnum is one of the first here, which stands out beautifully against a camilia and hellebores.
Changing Dogwoods
The Dogwoods are also some of the early changers–this one was bright red last year though. Too much rain perhaps? You can also see how green everything still is (mostly).
Changing Leaves
Earlier this year I mentioned how I’m loving the dark purple and light green color combination in plants, and this fall does not disappoint! The Japanese Maple is turning a nice deep shade of purple, while the Catalpa tree behind it is a beautiful pale green. I think the Catalpa eventually turns yellow before dropping. I keep calling it a Catalpa, but honestly I’m not certain. It’s got big, beautiful leaves though, and does really well in the shade.
Ironweed Seed head
One perk of some perennials are the beautiful seed heads they leave all winter long. They can provide interest in the garden when everything else has died back. The provide some extra structure, and really stand out when covered in a light dusting of snow.
Hibiscus Seeds
I found a few Hibiscus plants I missed blooming this year, but I haven’t missed the seeds! I collected a bunch of them, along with butterfly weed and clematis. Anyone want some seeds?
Speak Your Mind