Let’s be real here. It’s October 16 in Minnesota and while winter is “technically” a couple of months away, I think we all know November is creeping ever closer and it’s about time to put the gardens to bed.
What’s amazing about this fall, however, is how my perennials and shrubs – and heck, even some of the annuals – have looked so good for so long. I think it’s probably all the rain we’ve gotten, which has been A LOT. While the leaves are turning colors quickly, some of the flower foliage is still so green and the blooms continue.
Back to reality, though. Teacher Man and I got a very good start on fall garden clean-up on Saturday, including cutting back my Annabelle Hydrangeas, Joe Pye Weed, all my peonies, and my super-tall Rudbeckia. We even tackled the ‘Tor’ Spirea bushes in the front of the house, which needed a major trim and will be so much happier for it come spring. I still have some additional winter prep to do, but I’d say all the major chores are done so that helps a ton.
Before those hard freezes start making daily appearances, I thought I’d snap a few photos of the color that is still pretty abundant around here. And lest you think all we did was work in the gardens this weekend, I’m sneaking in a few peeks at weekend randomness.
Enjoy!
Lara
Is there anything “more fall” than a mum in the garden? This is a “Mammoth Mum”, hearty to Zone 3, I believe. (I’m in Zone 4, for those of you gardeners who want to know.) Mammoth is a bit of an understatement – mine grows like crazy and I even trimmed it back after it’s first round of blooms. Now it’s back showing its fall color again.
These bubble gum pentunias bloom, bloom, and then bloom some more – all summer and fall. Quite amazing! (And the dahlias in the back aren’t too shabby either.)
I love this purple Aster too – I have two of them in my gardens.
My Limelight Hydrangea ends the season with such luscious antique-pinkish/greenish blooms!
Look at the vibrant orange of the ‘Tiger Eyes’ Sumac – it’s actually hard to capture the full effect on camera but this comes pretty close. So gorgeous!
No flowers here anymore, but the front porch is ready for Halloween. 😉 And Thanksgiving – of course … once fall comes around, I make sure my metal turkey is out for full display!
Do you see the creepy skeleton hands Joe found at Target? He would love it if I decorated with even more over-to-top Halloween stuff!
I took this photo about 4 p.m. today – I thought there was something cool about the flag against the sky.
Speaking of Halloween, check out my new LuLaRoe Halloween leggings! It’s a little hard to tell but the pattern is Frankenstein and his Bride. The dress is from LuLaRoe too – I belted it to make it into more of a tunic. (Find out my LuLaRoe news from last week here, if you haven’t already.)
A Saturday afternoon date with Teacher Man included a stop at our favorite local brewery/tap room, Hayes Public House, as well as shopping in downtown Buffalo. I found a couple of great accessories at The Atelier I can use for my LuLaRoom! (I love The Atelier, by the way – so many beautiful home decor items with a lean toward French country and shabby chic.)
And of course I did some baking! While I love to try new recipes, these chocolate chip cookies are the #1 favorite of Teacher Man and Joe and are often requested. And really, you can’t go wrong with chocolate chip cookies, right?
Have a great start to your week!