a last look.
Blackened now by frost,
its season truly over,
The tubers tucked safely away to return next season
During the last nice days, I would catch bumblebees overnighting in their centers,
Waiting for the first rays of morning sun to warm them before departing.
A touch of sadness, looking back, that we've said goodbye to all that was so very alive & beautiful.
But now is the time to do the chores that will ensure they return, better than ever.
Those chores include, after a couple light frosts, storing the rose standards in the garage to ride out the winter months.
No chances or risks are taken on losing them. Prized as they are....
Above: Frost on the Chrysanthemum 'Rhumbas.'
A few hardy annuals survived the first freezes.
I always try to take note of which ones, so as to add them back into the garden next year.
Salvia farinacea 'Victorian Blue' one of those.
Most everything tender has been cleaned out & the garden has changed dramatically in the past week.
Containers of all types emptied and cleaned.
The antique iron urn looks so BARE without it's abundantly sprawling contents.
There is lightness in my heart tho as I review & post these last few photos; for although I want to tweak & change a few things, I look and see that I've finally gotten the "English" garden I once envisioned & worked so hard to create.
That realization is the perfect way to end the season & enough to keep me going thru the cold winter months ahead...
There is a sadness to the end of gardening season. But the rest is delightful, yes? Time to dream and plan for next year!
Posted by: Robin | November 15, 2015 at 05:21 PM
You are right, Kathleen!!! Lovely photos and a perfect spot to admire and look forward to seeing next Spring! :-) hugs!! SG
Posted by: Shady Gardener | November 15, 2015 at 07:13 PM
Your photos are stunning!! They will help keep you warm over the long winter months. :)
Posted by: Alice Golden | November 16, 2015 at 03:55 PM
There's something about a photo of frost on a nearly perfect flower--I never seem to get out in time to capture it myself, so I appreciate it when others go to the trouble. Beautiful macros of the Dahlias and the bees and the Roses. Yes, it is somehow a comforting feeling to put the garden to bed and start dreaming about spring and the new garden. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I would miss the break (at least a taste of winter) if I lived in a warm climate.
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | November 16, 2015 at 07:15 PM
Your garden is beautiful. I always look forward to winter. I need it to rest and take a breather from the garden.
Posted by: Victoria | November 20, 2015 at 06:29 AM