Prematurely turned leaf of Geranium maculatumLast night I dreamed of frost. This was a prophetic dream, if for no other reason than the immutable fact that there will be a frost here at Squirrelhaven, sooner or later. The earliest frost I've recorded in the past 15 years was October 1st, while the average first frost occurs late in October. But the current temperatures with highs only in the 60s F (16C) and forecasted lows in the 40sF (5C) makes it feel like late September, instead of the end of August. I don't know if this is an omen of an early frost.
Meteorological autumn begins in two days, and the signs of autumn are clear and unmistakable now. Some signs are subtle, such as the red tint showing in the grasses: Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
and Prairie Dropseed (Sporabolus heterolepsis),
and the tinting of foliage: Ruellia humilis.
More obvious is the foliage of some shrubs, starting to show its chlorophyll-less color: Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo' (Diablo)
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Little Honey'
Cornus alternifolia.
In the shade garden, the perennials show even more color: Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Hepatica nobilis var. acuta
and the Geraniums (top photo).
and Prairie Dropseed (Sporabolus heterolepsis),
and the tinting of foliage: Ruellia humilis.
More obvious is the foliage of some shrubs, starting to show its chlorophyll-less color: Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo' (Diablo)
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Little Honey'
Cornus alternifolia.
In the shade garden, the perennials show even more color: Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Hepatica nobilis var. acuta
and the Geraniums (top photo).The Cottonwood and the Boxelders (Acer negundo) are beginning to shed yellow leaves, setting off the exquisite blue flowers of Ceratostigma plumbaginoides.
The garden is at once winding down and heating up. Farewell, Summer, you were a good one.
What signs of autumn are visible in your garden?
21 comments:
To name a few; Bright orange berries dangling from Mountain Ash, red tinge appearing on Spindle Tree leaves, and of course Autumn Joy sedum developing its pinkish blush.
Nice post.
Good question! The Oakleaf hydrangea's leaves are turning a lovely pink and plants formerly known as asters are really budding up! gail
I am also seeing lots of signs of fall. I will do a post about it tomorrow. The dogwoods, oakleaf hydrangea, ferns and several other things are shutting down. Today has been so overcast and cool it feels like fall.
Everything is looking a bit timeworn and weary. Leaves are beginning to drop too. Our average first day of frost is 15 October and that is right around the corner. Hard to believe it is almost September!
That's music to my ears, MMD. It means fall will eventually get down to Texas too. I'm sorry you've had a short summer, but your pics are lovely.
I think my garden is valiantly trying to hold onto summer. The sunflowers are just starting to bloom and the peppers have tons of flowers, like they're going to finally burst into productivity. I love the sporobolus picture!
I've got some mums blooming in my garden, definitely a flower associated with fall. Plus, while driving around running some errands this morning, I noticed an entire row of red maples that had all begun to turn red. In fact, some were fully turned. They must be under some kind of stress to turn red so early like that.
Carol, May Dreams Gardens
I found a sign of fall in my garden yesterday: the first Oxalis of the season! It's the only time I've ever been happy to see it.
Just like you, I see tinges of red here and there. Your temps are cooler than ours right now, though.
Bring it on! I'm ready for the big event. I love Autumn!
I'm seeing some signs, too, MMD. But I'm not ready for it... After all, aren't we still waiting for a little hot August weather? ;-)
What sign of autumn? Well, mostly everything looks kind of dried out and depressing. And the first leaves fall from the Liquidambar. And the gardener stands there with tape measure and notebook, mumbling plant names and waiting for fall planting season. I do hope I'll get things in the ground right after the first good rain, so the plants can grow during winter.
I'm still waiting for Summer to arrive here!
Isn't ninebark the best? I love it all year long, but, bananas!, mine needs to be trimmed back.
I have seeds on my Japanese maple that I noticed today. I'm getting that second spring before fall a little early this year too. It is a bit sad, but then again, I am a bit tired. Time for us both to rest.~~Dee
Oooh... I just posted about signs of autumn on Saturday night, but I didn't include a few that you have! I really really really hope that my 'Diablo' ninebark and oakleaf hydrangea are NOT coming into color quite yet. (I'll say it again: I'm not ready for fall!!!)
Hi MMD, such lovely colors on your changing garden glories. We are seeing many signs as well, even though our temps are still in the 80s during the day. The Yoshino cherry is leafless and the wild cherries around the neighborhood are half way there. The dogwoods are turning colors and the muhly is just beginning to bloom. Fall is nearly here.
Frances
Please, I'm not ready for frost! But it certainly has felt like it's on its way the last few nights. I've noticed some of the leaves on the locust trees turning yellow, and I have asters blooming already. I keep remembering how warm it was last fall--perhaps the summer heat will hit us in September?
Hi, Kay - the Mountain Ash berries are such a striking sight.
Gail - Those poor ex-Asters, they get no respect.
Lisa - makes you want to pull out all the sweaters.
Tina - weary is a good word to describe the garden & the gardener.
Pam - I actually enjoyed the cool summer, although that means I'm not quite as anxious for fall.
Carol - Mum season already?
Cindy - I love the Oxalis, it won't be long now for relief for you and the garden.
Kathy - I'm not complaining about the coolness.
Hey, FGG - it is a great season.
Shady - you never know, we probably will have a few days in the 80s before the show's over.
TM - sorry about the state of the garden, but soon the rains will come (I hope).
Matron - I suggest a trip to Argentina. ;^)
Monica - I do love the Ninebark. Fabulous plant in every season, but it does shine in fall.
Dee - isn't it great to be in tune with the seasons? :^P
Blackswamp Girl - ready or not, here it comes!
Frances - it sounds like things are really getting autumnal in your neck of the woods.
Rose - ah, yes, I remember it well. Let's just say I'm not packing away the shorts & Tshirts yet.
Lovely photos MMD. We've had cool weather too and since the Susans are winding down, I know fall is coming soon. That and the fact that the Autumn Joy sedum buds are starting to color up and the garlic chives are blooming. Won't be long now!
I'm going to have to stop making the rounds of garden blogs. Too much talk of FALL! ;-) What gorgeous berries on the Spikenard in your previous post.
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