"One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it brings."

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Ch-ch-ch-Changes.

As I walked around the yard noticing the changes in the garden, I couldn't help singing to myself the David Bowie song "Changes", click to listen to him sing that great song. That is probably what most people notice about fall, changes are happening. As someone who normally doesn't like change much in day to day life, in fact just thinking about changes in routine makes me worry, I love changes in the garden. Some of the changes I can control and some I can't. I constantly change how it looks by digging and moving things around. But now my garden is changing and I have no control of it. I can though, enjoy the daily changes happening by taking the time to look at how the plants and trees are changing. Some have turned to dry sticks, others are taking their sweet time by gradually changing colors in their foliage and flowers, while some seem to think it's still spring and have new growth and blooms that surprise me.
Some changes happening here...

Blueberry bushes (this one is 'Jersey') add a lot to the garden in fall. After enjoying the delicious berries most of the summer, they take on a beautiful coppery red color in the fall.

Fairy moss (Azolla) in the water garden is starting to change to a reddish color. Unfortunately the fish ate all the Fairy moss in the pond.

Oakleaf hydrangea leaves are getting their fall color too. I think they add some interest all year long.

A fern, whose name has slipped my mind, is beginning to take on some yellow. I love all the textures this adds near the pond.

Japanese 'Orido Nishiki' in it's ever changing reds and pinks.

Another Hydrangea, 'Preziosa', which adds almost year round interest. Between the leaves and the flowers it seems to be constantly changing.

Hydrangea 'Endless Summer' flowers have gone from blue to pink. I just planted it this summer and hadn't realized the color changed so much.

Sunflower 'Mammoth' has changed from a bee attractor in the late summer to a bird attractor this fall. The Stellar Jays have been enjoying the seeds and sit on top to call to their friends to join the party. Yesterday I saw a squirrel running off with a whole seed head in it's mouth. Behind the Sunflower you can see the Cedar tree getting ready to drop it's old "needles".

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is still covered in dew. I was surprised to see some of the plants with flower buds on them again.

I found a quote about Fall that I just loved:

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." by Albert Camus
Hope you're enjoying the changes in your garden.
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29 comments:

  1. Hi Catherine, I love the Autumn colors in your garden - the hydrangeas especially are so pretty. I like these cooler days when I can actually tolerate a leisurely stroll thru the garden just observing everything. It has been such a pleasure to follow you thru the Spring/Summer. I hope you have a good night and a happy weekend.

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  2. Right now there isn't a whole lot going on. You have lots of fall color creeping in. Looks great Catherine.

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  3. This was a great read as well as beautifully photographed, Catherine! Things are changing daily, and it enriches our lives to take time to notice and be awed by the forces of nature. Nothing is constant except change. :-)
    Frances

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  4. I agree about Blueberries, they are really vivid and decorative long after the last berries are eaten! I must get an Oakleaf Hydrangea into the mix over here when we have our deer fencing up, one of these days. Thanks for your very kind comments on my blog!!! Happy day to you!! Bonnie

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  5. Ch ch ch changes indeed.

    I love the 'Orido Nishiki'. Lets hope the frost stays away.

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  6. oh the garden is gorgeous! and that quote is just a nice way to look at fall...never thought of it that way before!

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  7. Hi Catherine~~~ My what stunning "flowers" you have. :) The merits of the blueberry plant are many, aren't they? Your 'Jersey' is fabulous. And 'Preziosa' is delightful. In fact all your examples of fall are delightful. I guess if we must witness the decline of sunshine and warmth at least we can enjoy the process.

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  8. Beautiful colors. Your blueberry bushes look so healthy!!

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  9. Hi Catherine!
    Liked the part where you said 'Some of the changes I can control and some I can't. ' So very true!
    Pretty shots. Fall is showing up indeed.

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  10. Hello Catherine. I love the shades of fall color and I am in love with the fairy moss. It is so beautiful and delicate looking.

    I always look forward to your next posts.

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  11. Catherine this was a beautiful post. I truly loved the Bowie tunes with it. I could so clearly see your appreciation of these things in your tender photographs. A very loving post. :-)

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  12. I just love those changes! and the song. Do want to now something a bit fun? Todays post at my blog had the same titel as yours! But I made a change after reading yours =) Today the weather is amazing, no wind, blue sky and sunshine - I'm headign out in the garden to put my bulbs in the ground. Enjoy the day / gittan

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  13. Just beautiful! You're a few weeks ahead of us in the cold weather, so I'm looking forward to this!

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  14. Our changes around here are few right now. It's been in the 90's all week! and humid!! I did notice some red on our blueberry bushes though. Great photos!

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  15. Catherine ~ How absolutely wonderful to see all of those changes going on in your gardens. Way down here, the changing of seasons is hardly noticeable. Thank you for sharing the autumn beauty of your gardens. I really enjoyed the tour.

    FlowerLady

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  16. Darn your hide Catherine! I have that song stuck in my head now!!!

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  17. Okay, so now I'll be singing Ch-Changes all day now! Ha! It is the time and looking good too.

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  18. Okay - so now that song is going round in my head and it won't go away! Good job your photos make up for it. That Orido Nishiki is wonderful. :)

    I think you're a bit ahead of us - our trees are only just begining to show their Autumn colours .... but I'm off outside to have a look round and maybe take some photos of my own!

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  19. I looove the fairy moss! how enchanting! I love all your photos, and the hydrangea was so pretty! I have a love for all hydrangeas, I just can't help it! And I so enjoyed your little story about the sunflower seed head and the squirrel running away with it! I have witnessed that myself and thought it was hilarious! Lovely post! The sunflower photo captured my heart as well. Great job!

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  20. Nice to read your musings on autumn as well as the changes. Here there is hardly an autumn.

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  21. I think your quote at the end is perfect! Every leaf truly takes on a whole new look and the colors are beautiful! Some of my favorite time of the year falls during autumn, time to reflect (and rest for a minute) and plan for the next one!

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  22. The Endless Summer Hydrangea looks like the color is gorgeous. I'm going to have to think about where I can put another one.
    Wonderful pics of all the different colors.

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  23. The Albert Camus quote is perfect. :)

    Love the fall colors in yours garden. Beautiful. I haven't seen Fairy Moss before, it's aptly named!

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  24. I have a lone hydrangea bloom .. all blue ... with the rest looking ... well ... old.

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  25. Beautiful and lovely shot !! Nice post..Thanks for sharing..Unseen Rajasthan

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  26. I love how fall brings new growth sometimes and the colors intensify on many things. Your fairy moss is interesting. I'd not seen nor heard of it before!

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  27. Great post! I am not ready for the changes that have taken place the last couple days.

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  28. It is sad to see the end of the flower garden but each change, as your photos show so well, brings a new kind of beauty.

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