Autumn 2010 in My Garden - Gold Mums

Pin It

Actually, these mums are still in pots awaiting planting into bigger pots that will grace the back deck for the fall season.  They look so pretty, all bunched together, that I can't resist the temptation to take a photo or two.

The bottom photo is copyrighted differently because it's going to go into my folder of photos to be made into note cards.

Someday.

When I have the time.

And the inclination.

Well, the inclination is there, so I think it must be the time.

Sigh.

Garden Notes:

We've been having several delicious autumn days of sun and relative warmth.  I can see the fog bank lurking a few hundred yards to the west.  We are, as my neighbor says, "in the smug zone".

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Happy Autumnal Equinox 2010

Pin It

I was going to post a photo of the full moon that I took at 6:30 this morning to welcome in Autumn, but I guess my camera is still a bit wonky (or maybe the user is) and they didn't come out well.

Did you see the full moon last night with Jupiter shadowing it all night long until dawn? It was stunning. A rare view.  Watch for it tonight if the skies are clear in your neighborhood.

I know many gardeners welcome signs of autumn; a time to gather in all the summer's bounty and preserve it for the colder months to come.  A time to finally stop weeding and put the garden to bed for the winter, unless, of course, you plant a winter garden.  A time to put an extra blanket on the bed, make soups and stews, get out those projects you've been wanting to do - hopefully you will have time now with the longer nights.

Lettuce, peas, fava beans, chard, kale all grow well in my garden come the cooler days of fall and I hope to be planting some of them this month.  Even potatoes overwinter here.  I guess I shouldn't grouse so much about not being able to grow tomatoes.

Do you plant a winter garden?

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Late Summer in my Garden - Sunflowers

Pin It

We've had sun, clouds, fog and 2 1/2 inches of rain in September.  A very early winter pattern usually not seen until late October.

In the meantime, my sunflowers, which got a very late start, have finally bloomed.

They are attracting a few honey bees, which is the reason I planted them. Honey bees have been in absentia this summer. Partly, I think, because of the very late spring and mostly wet, foggy summer.

Planting sunflowers helps to attract bees to yards and gardens.  Red poppies attract bees also, as do fall Asters and Sedum.

Do you have honey bees in your garden?

Garden Notes:

Tomorrow, Sept. 23rd is the full moon and autumnal equinox. A sunset-moonrise walk is planned. Hopefully photos will ensue.

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Ruby Tuesday - Ruby Red Dahlia

Pin It
Dahlias spotted on a walk through town recently reminded me that it's time once again for Ruby Tuesday, hosted by Mary at Work of the Poet.

You're going to want to see all the other photos sporting red this week; maybe you'd even like to join in the fun and meet some interesting poeple.

Click here to see what it's all about.

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Skywatch Friday - A Fogless Sunset

Pin It

Sunsets unobstructed by fog have been woefully lacking this summer, so even though this photo is a bit dark because I didn't think to get my camera (I was that entranced by the actual sun) until it was almost too late, here is my offering to Sky Watch Friday, because I actually experienced a full on, no-holds-barred sunset this evening.  And not a shred of fog around.  Whoo-hoo!

Visit Skywatch Friday to see more sky shots from all over the world.

If you look closely you can just see Venus on her nightly decent below the horion. 

© Copyright 2006-2010, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.