It's In The Air...

Can you feel it? A crispness that wasn't there last week. No more complaints of heat and humidity...just perfectly cool days (and nights!) with the anticipation that Full Blown Fall...is just around the corner.

It's been a long week w/o internet access. A huge area was affected as equipment and phone lines were being updated. I had to moonlight a few times at the local library but hope to catch up with you all this weekend.

I'm ready to plant mums but these geraniums are still blooming their hearts out. I've not had luck over-wintering them in past years but, of course, I'll try again...

For late season interest, try Black Snakeroot (Cimicifuga racemosa). Though the foliage is somewhat sparse, their sturdy stems don't need support (this clump is 6'). The blooms look like liatris don't they? And, yes, there is a sweet vanilla-like fragrance.

The last few blooms of Gillardia I'm noticing alot of blues in the garden...

Let's add kitty Lacey in the mix. She's strictly an indoor cat but I let her out for a few minutes. She was fascinated by all the bees buzzing about the caryopteris. Overall, my pots are not looking too great but plants here and there still have some color and interest. These spiky seed pods were once beautiful white datura blooms.

Keep an eye out next year for this cute sunflower-like annual, with it's trailing habit. The blooms are no bigger than a nickle and have literally lasted 4 months!

From reading posts, I know many of you are feeling somewhat down by summer's end. I, however, am starting to embrace the cool weather. Early mornings on the patio, wrapped in a fleece throw with cup in hand, and not knowing if the steam I see is coming from my breath or hot cup of coffee, it's a great feeling :)

Have a wonderful weekend, y'all!