Our Autumn Season

~ By Gardnbee ~

Autumn is that time of year when the planting and growing seasons come to an end, when the days become shorter and when time arrives to finish up the harvest, clear away old growth, plant spring bulbs such as crocuses, snowdrops, narcissi, daffodils, and tulips to name a few.

My Dwarf Iris and Day Lilies have been cut back, split and moved to new areas along with gifting any over abundance to admiring friends. Peonies; Bleeding Hearts; Liatris; Fluffy Astilbe; Hostas; Spiraea, some Cinquefoil and Clematis have been trimmed back finally and prepared for the coming winter. All unwanted growth has been added to the compost with the exception of "weeds" which we burn when dried enough to do so. The Deck and front porch are bare of plants having brought them indoors due to frost almost every night and are now awaiting Pumpkins we are going to harvest in the next few days.

About the only flowering plant that will continue to grow up to the end of October is the Globe Sedum (Icicle Plant) pictured above. The flowers start out as a light pink about the end of August or first week in September and deepen until finished to a rust color which is perfect for autumn decorating and will go good with our Pumpkins, Indian Corn and other little goodies offered up for the arrival of Autumn.

A few roots from our Cone Flowers have been collected to use over winter along with a goodly portion of Wild Rose Hips leaving the majority of both for future enjoyment of feathered visitors and continual growth. There is a wide variety of fruits and vegetables done down in the freezer along with a fresh supply of Herbs. About the only growth left in our vegetable garden to come off are the Onions and Potatoes which we will store in containers buried in Earth with lids over winter while keeping a useable supply for now. As soon as these crops have been taken off the entire area will be tilled over after rotted compost has been added in and then Nature will take its course.

In the interim the autumn colors will keep us entertained, the scent and sounds of the season beckoning as like the evening beckons the day in its unfolding beauty. Awaiting the upcoming Harvest Celebration with family and friends is a time when we share the many blessings we have received from Nature with all those who can use some good old fashioned country flavor along the way.

         

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