November Joy

The crisp cool days of November have arrived, which means no more pesky mosquitoes, and time to plant bulbs and rake leaves. While basking in the joy of this sunny sweet day, I accomplished many chores and got all my tulips and lilys in the ground. My husband was also productive, both mowing and fertilizing the front lawn. We worked hard, but also (literally) took time to smell the roses. I also did not forget to grab my camera. Here's a snapshot of what's happening in the garden:

Rock Garden
The Serviceberry has hit its peak color, showing off fire orange foliage. The ornamental birdhouses are really set off nicely along this backdrop, and I'm convinced that the way to add more charm to a garden, is to incorporate more Garden Accents.



Wooded Back
The Tulip Trees and assorted woodland at the back of our property line are thrilling to watch at this time of year. They are majestic and gorgeous and honestly, they are the main reason why we fell in love with this property when searching for our first home.



Woodland Garden
This border was only installed 2yrs ago, yet it looks as if it's always been there. I will keep adding to this area until it's completely filled in, but already I'm feeling that it is 90% done, and that is a really good feeling (and a relief).



Shade Perennial Border
Hostas are just such great plants, and several have turned golden yellow which is an added joy. This border area is like night-and-day compared to what we started with, and I'm terribly proud of what it has become.



My Family
The greatest joy of all, is the family that I am so blessed to share my life and these great November days with. The children are growing as fast as the trees, and we are always building wonderful memories as we work together, in our garden.

Wordless Wednesday: Earth Alien

Tiny Toad-Lily Treat

Little Miss Discreet,
fuzzy, exotic, mottled
understated treat.

Autumn Glory

Today was another wonderfully sweet Autumn weekend, and I went apple-picking with my family at Stribling Orchard which was quite the fun adventure. Upon arriving home, we all headed back outside and spent the afternoon puttering around the deck and working on yard projects, and I managed to do a walk-around the property to take some snapshots of the garden in its Fall Glory.

Front Entry Garden
The Japanese Maple is now blazing red, and I've set up a Fall Harvest Scene in front. The Sedum 'Autumn Joy' has now turned brick red, perfectly complementing the Maple.





Sun Perennial Border
Last year, I planted Garden Mums as annuals, but they overwintered so well that I went ahead and kept them, and now this year they've come back bigger and badder than I could have expected. I wish I had more sunny spots in my garden for more Mums.




Kousa Dogwood
The bright orange leaves of the Kousa make a real impact, and this is one of the most high performing trees in my garden. I adore this tree.



Rock Garden
The Serviceberry 'Autumn Brilliance' has officially been in my garden for one year. It was a perfect addition and the leaves are coloring up nicely, and I couldn't be more pleased with this all-star understory tree.



Assorted Woodland
The trees at the back of my property are lit up with color, and the birdhouse that my husband built fits in so perfectly among this backdrop. The Redbud 'Forest Pansy' trio is golden yellow now, and a favorite shrub of mine, Bottlebrush Buckeye is also aglow with golden leaves.




I am so grateful to be the caretaker of this great garden, and I look forward to watching it continue to grow and thrive and flourish.

Wordless Wednesday: Ivory Perfection

-- Rose "Summer Fashion"