Coming up from the mailbox the other day, I noticed that the Hickory tree in the meadow is starting to change.  

 

So in the next week or two we will see it go from green to gold.  I'll keep you updated.

 

HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!!!

 

I went over to get some tomatillos from Patty's garden, and I saw her beautiful mums in bloom.

 

This variety isn't like the annual garden mums we get from the garden center.  It is still a Chrysanthemum, but it is perennial.  She planted a small patch years ago, and it has spread to cover most of her front garden bed.  Apparently, they have the added value of being distasteful to deer.  Good reason to plant some.

 

They are so pretty!!!  It's worth the walk or drive to go see them.  All the way at the end of Five Forks Drive.  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

Can you believe that Nancy's Hydrangeas are blooming again!!!

 

I am so glad.  I love seeing them on our walks.  They make me smile every time.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

We are still picking green beans in the garden.  That's because I planted them three times.  It's called succession planting.

 

I planted the first row in June when the ground was warm enough to germinate the seeds.  Then I planted another row in July when I took out the peas.  Then I planted another row when I took out the cucumbers.  They have all done well.  When one row is done, the next one starts blooming and producing beans.

 

So just about every day when I go out to the garden, I get a handful (or a pocketful) of beans.  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I guess the only bad thing about being the first to change color in the fall, is that you are the first to drop your leaves.

 

That's what happened with this Black Gum tree on Stonebriar.  It was one of the first to turn bright red.  And look at it now.  Ready for winter.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

We were walking in the Park the other day, and I saw this familiar plant.  It looks quite different in the fall than in the spring.  

 

In the spring, it has a green spath-like flower.  And in the fall, that flower has turned into these red berries.  Do you know NOW what it is?

 

Yep.  Jack-in-the-pulpit.  They are a lot easier to spot in the woods with their red berries, than when they are all green.

 

I thought you'd like a little trip into the woods in the fall.  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

Do you recognize this fern?  It is Baker Fern, the kind that florists use in flower arrangements.  

 

Momma brought me a pot of this fern the first time she and Betsy came to visit, in 2004.  It came from her friend, Stacia's garden.  It hasn't gotten very big, but every year it gives me 10-15 leaves.  

 

I love it, and always remember planting it with Momma all those years ago.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

I love being in the garden this time of year!!!  We were cleaning up, and clearing out the tomato cages, and I saw this Common Sulphur dancing around in the Nasturtiums.  

 

Needless to say, I'm not ready to clear out the Nasturtium yet!!!  I have lots of those seeds too.  Happy to share.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

If there aren't already a thousand reasons to plant marigolds, here's one more:  Monarchs!!!! Apparently, they are passing through right now.  

 

I have plenty of marigold seeds, and I'm happy to share.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

Remember a month or so ago I showed you our fig bushes?  Well, this is what the figs look like now.  Ready to pick.

 

On the two bushes, there are about 20 ripening figs.  We are so rich!!!

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!