Transition

That perfect time between summer and fall, where the sunshine is thinner, the evenings are cool, the moon is big, and seasonal change is in the air. The garden is fading, seeding, and giving a final push of energy before it all goes to sleep.

My wonderful Russian Sage has surrendered to its own weight and a late summer shower. It was so spiky and dramatic and provided great color.  I'm going to move it to a background somewhere and plant a shorter variety here next year.

These Nikko Blue hydrangeas--after a disappointing inconsistency of color all summer--are finally all the same color. The spent Astilbes blend nicely; white Snowberries in the background.

This is the first time I've ever appreciated the seeds that so many plants put forth. This Snowdrop Anemone is a surprise with its fluffy seed heads. I don't think they're very efficient, so it's a good thing they also spread by underground runners.

I was thrilled to find this Impatiens Balfourii (at a California nursery) after having it in my Palo Alto and Carmel gardens.  It's candy to deer, gets taller in shade and it's almost a nuisance because it shows up everywhere.  But I love it!  It has many names, but I call it 'snap weed' because when the small pods (see below) get fat and dry, it only takes the slightest touch of wind or finger to snap them open and the tiny seeds go flying.   

This is my new favorite filler in my perennial beds--Orlaya (white finch lace).  It came up easily from seed and looks wonderful in flower arrangements.  It's not terribly long-lived, but I'm hoping with all the seeds it's producing, it will self-sow for next year and thereafter.

I've decided to give up planting annuals.  The ones I want are difficult to find here, are late to the party (blooming), and might come back after a mild winter--but we don't seem to have those as of late.  HOWEVER, I'm going to make an exception with Cosmos.  These tall, dark pink Cosmos have been vibrant and reliable all summer and look like they might be the non-fading color in the garden through fall.

Dahlias also bring late summer-fall color to the garden.  There are some gorgeous shades, but I'm limiting myself to pinks and whites.  I just ordered more to increase my fall color next year.

And my other fall staple is Japanese Anemones.  They multiply nicely and look fresh poking up between and around other fading blooms.

I shouldn't leave out my roses, which are still going strong.  A couple rugosas have rose hips already, but most are still producing flowers.  With my gate and diligent applications of deer spray, this was the first year I got to enjoy the blooms.  They're rewarding and seem to thrive, but they do require a lot of dead-heading all season.