I don't know if I end up thinking how gorgeous the days are more in spring, summer or autumn, but I know I've been thinking this thought a lot during the past few weeks of this autumn. I happened upon an older post about the Kigo of Japanese Haiku which celebrated late summer and started to think about what the emblems of autumn might be as I enjoy the look, smell and feel of these October … [Read more...] about Sentiments of the Season, October
October
Underestimated Flowering Shrubs
Witch Hazel ushers in Spring On the whole, deciduous, flowering shrubs get short shrift in modern gardens. We know about lilacs and weigelas, perhaps, but are often discouraged from planting them given "lack of seasonal interest" as the rationalization for such advice. It is true that some of them shine only when in bloom. Flowering shrubs take a large space, and maybe that requires more … [Read more...] about Underestimated Flowering Shrubs
I took a Blog Vacation
I am in the 900 block of posts right now, 903 to be exact, and I made the first experimental blogpost on September 9th in 2003. Those were the days when I might post two or three things a day... in a freeform sort of way. The first one with any real content was later that day, I called it "OK" because half the time the blogposts weren't titled. And I didn't use photos or pictures hardly ever.So, … [Read more...] about I took a Blog Vacation
Autumn Morning Musings
Finally, the rain came, not to slake the thirst of the earth, but just to moisten the tongue. The month began with some of the mists and morning fog that often shrouds the morning of an autumn day in Ohio; the leaves dropped in mostly brown tones, and the chrysanthemums and asters came on smaller and turned to deadheads sooner. Yet, in spite of all that, the October days have been lovely.One … [Read more...] about Autumn Morning Musings
Just a Word On Autumn
Yesterday as I went abroad for supplies to round out my little family party, I was struck by the way the height of Autumn had visited so suddenly. It had been announcing itself for weeks, as my photos have tried to capture, but as rain moved in and I traveled to the more protected spaces of the city my eyes were almost assaulted by the orange, gold, and scarlets of the trees and bushes.I hurried … [Read more...] about Just a Word On Autumn
October’s End
It is time to copy the tips from the sidebar for posterity and get ready to post new garden tips for November and the fast approaching winter. I enjoyed my day trip to Old Man's Cave this past month with the roadside pumpkin display and the long walk; now I am deciding what diversions to take in November. Then there are the containers to plant for the season, and the holiday greenery later! A … [Read more...] about October’s End
Autumn Days- Autumn Day Trips
It was a little early for leaf color, but we took a day trip to Old Man's Cave because the weather was so perfect for walking. I'm hoping to get there again, maybe in a week or two. Along the way we drove through Circleville, home to the famous Circleville Pumpkin Show. They were just setting up for opening tomorrow's show. Anticipating the crowds, there was a roadside stand with all sorts of … [Read more...] about Autumn Days- Autumn Day Trips
October Selection of Poems
OctoberAY, thou art welcome, heaven's delicious breath! When woods begin to wear the crimson leaf, And suns grow meek, and the meek suns grow briefAnd the year smiles as it draws near its death. Wind of the sunny south! oh, still delay In the gay woods and in the golden air,Like to a good old age released from care,Journeying, in long serenity, away.In such a bright, late quiet, would that I Might … [Read more...] about October Selection of Poems
Feeling Like October
Finally, the horrid heat wave is over. fini. All the things I loved about October were evaporating in the July-like heat (one of my least favorite months), but now all is back to normal. Now I can direct you, dear reader, to my October gardening tips, and let you know about a frost date selector ( no, it won't let you select your own choice...just your area;). That way you are prepared for frosts … [Read more...] about Feeling Like October
Weathering the Heat Wave
It's fine for tomato ripening, but a little too hot for me. We are seeing temperatures of 89 to 90 in October this year- I sure hope this isn't our Indian Summer! Funny how I feel all lazy when it is this sort of midsummer weather, and how a brisk normal October day can be so invigorating. I just need to shake off my habitual response and remind myself of the time and the short season to finish up … [Read more...] about Weathering the Heat Wave
October in Poem
October's Bright Blue Weather O SUNS and skies and clouds of June, And flowers of June together, Ye cannot rival for one hour October's bright blue weather; When loud the bumblebee makes haste, Belated, thriftless vagrant, And goldenrod is dying fast, And lanes with grapes are fragrant; When gentians roll their fingers tight To save them for the … [Read more...] about October in Poem
Ritual of Planting Spring Bulbs
I planted my tulips and crocus today, finally. The Triumph tulip that I planted was called 'Red Lips'. It has a white base with red edges. Sort of the reverse of 'Merry Widow' or 'Lucky Strike'. I have a thing for red and white tulips. I seem to have lost my gusto for planting the bulbs though. But that is probably just the effect of a troubled mind. Unfortunately that is probably just what it … [Read more...] about Ritual of Planting Spring Bulbs