Autumnal Textures

Fall finally showed up. After a blazing September and confusing October, November is turning out rather lovely. And then it will snow.

We’ve been in our house 25 years this year, which means that trees are starting to take on mature stature and maybe I’m getting the hang of gardening. Maybe. It’s definitely been a journey from planting traditional ornamental plants to a deep dive into native species. I don’t think I’ve made all the mistakes, but I’ve certainly made most of them.

November. A good month for reflection as plants begin to go dormant and I dig the sweaters out of the back of the closet. This year of gardening was one of management and editing more than adding. The battle of “which goldenrod and/or aster are you?” continues as I thin both out. Did I need more hellebores? Of course I did.

The beech tree waits until November before turning into coppery flame. It’s looking particularly sexy with the rain garden’s layers of natives (and non). Sometimes, it’s autumn before we become full of richness and beauty.

So as the perennials settle into their long winter nap and the katsura leaves perfume the yard with their peculiar scent of cooked apricot and sugar, it’s time to tuck the last bulbs in. A nice mug of tea is in order, perhaps with a side of garden dreaming.