Still lots of good stuff going on. I've been practically floating over our mild weather. It makes me want to get greedy and keep the above average temperatures rollin'. I know that can't happen indefinitely ~ I haven't floated that far up in the clouds ~ and the garden knows it too. The landscape is turning glorious shades of red, yellow, orange and brown:
Photo above shows the southwest corner of my backyard ~ Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) is the brilliant red shrub in the foreground and of course, the blazing yellow/gold leaves belong to its comrade the Aspen.
Below, a demonstration of "brown" in the front garden bed ~ set off nicely by the antique iron fence:
Monarch butterflies are really on the move now ~ I've seen a number of them this past week ~ all heading south with purpose and haste! Painted Ladies, unencumbered by the necessity of migration, flit lazily about the garden on bright sunny days:
happily not bothered at all by an "in-your-face" photographer!
Honeybees are taking advantage of the last warm days too ~ like this one laden with pollen from Dahlia 'Rosita:'
Believe it or not, a few of the raspberry canes are still producing berries:
I think this is the latest I've ever been able to pick them?
I'm also enjoying the Virginia creeper vine I started up the chicken wire fence this summer:
The red foliage is a nice addition to an otherwise non-descript fence.
Finally, if all my other senses failed me, I'd know it was Fall by the flats of Apples (from the Western Slope) my neighbor has for sale. She so thoughtfully brought me this 'Fuji' assortment yesterday:
They almost look too good to eat, don't they?!!
Wow fall has arrived in your garden for sure. Love all the delicious things you have to eat too! ;)
Posted by: Racquel | October 23, 2010 at 05:02 PM
The first photo is really, really special. I love that white bark of the Aspen and juxtaposed with the fence and the informal Viburnum--just gorgeous. I've been picking raspberries too.
Posted by: Grace | October 23, 2010 at 05:09 PM
We love love love Fuji apples! Love the reds of the viburnum and the Virginia Creeper. I am truly jealous of your raspberries, how wonderful!
Posted by: Janet | October 23, 2010 at 05:19 PM
They look yummy Kathleen! So does the bee on dahlia and butterfly who posed so prettily for you~ I am glad you are having a long autumn~gail
Posted by: Gail | October 23, 2010 at 07:49 PM
Great photos ... your part of the world is looking fabulous at this time of year. Love all the colours in the garden ... the photo at the top shows a terrific spot!
Posted by: Bernieh | October 24, 2010 at 03:28 AM
Oh man! Lucky you to have a neighbor to be so generous and with one of the best tasting apples out there!
Posted by: tina | October 24, 2010 at 07:03 AM
Sounds like you're having a wonderful fall there. The scarlet color of the Nannyberry is amazing. I love the second shot with its muted chocolate tones.
Posted by: Sweetbay | October 24, 2010 at 04:32 PM
It sure does look beautiful now. The apples look so perfect, I don't see any worm holes in them - lucky!
I forgot to mention that I do hope you visit when your brother moves. He's only about 40 minutes of so north of us.
BTW I think you wanted some Pink poppy seeds, am I remembering right? If you do, will you email your address to me, it's on my blog.
Posted by: Catherine | October 24, 2010 at 06:27 PM
Wow, the Viburnum and aspen are working hard for you in that first photo. The gold, red and white make a great combo.
You are fortunate to still have raspberries. Mine were finished in August. Are yours a late variety or long producing?
Posted by: Northern Shade | October 24, 2010 at 07:28 PM
PS The iris picture was earlier this spring. The daylily is mine but the iris alas are not, although I wish they were! They were in the garden of a pair of twin sisters in Chapel Hill. Their garden is famous locally and the fame is well-deserved. One thing that warmed my heart is there is a lot of Jesse's Song iris (one of my favorites and a prolific spreader) in their garden too!
Posted by: Sweetbay | October 24, 2010 at 08:14 PM
I cannot believe you still are getting raspberries! So many gorgeous images. The depth of field in the photo of the apples is superb.
Posted by: Kala | October 24, 2010 at 09:09 PM
Kathleen girl how gorgeous can it get !
I am in love with your first picture with the viburnum and aspen what a fantastic combination and so beautiful all year long I bet !
Yes .. the weather has been mild but we are stuck in rain days and I need to finish cleaning my garden art and putting it away ..eeekk !
I have to decorate our front step for Halloween too !! another EEEKKK !!
Joy : )
Posted by: Joy | October 25, 2010 at 07:12 AM