November 27, 2024
Autumn arrived late this year. The autumn rains have also been delayed in some places. But, as always, there is much to be thankful for in the garden. I am grateful for the cool but frost-free temperatures and the richness of the fall garden. Long live the charismatic live oak that protects it.
Let’s take a look around.
On the front porch, ‘Bloodspot’ mangabeth is raising its late-blooming panicles. The flowers are slow to open as the temperature has dropped. We’re waiting to see if we can get through it before the first freeze, which usually happens in early December.
I always bring this planter into the garage when it gets below freezing, but the mangabey usually dies after blooming anyway. Go, Mangabe, go!
The rut continues. That means I see a male deer in my yard almost every day, and I also see evidence of his antlers rubbing against everything from yucca to agave to palmetto to saplings. I put tall rebar stakes around the most vulnerable plants and that helped. This year’s damage seems to be much less than last year.
Women were gathered a few doors down.
They put money on their heels and act carelessly. On my evening walks, I mostly avoid the deer that scurry across the street at breakneck speed.
Back at the house, all the craziness remains in the fenced backyard. A squid agave in a grooved pot is the queen of her territory, followed by red flowers (firecracker fern) at her feet.
Forsythia sage began blooming last week, its butter-yellow flower spikes illuminating the shade.
“Little Grape” Gomphrena also joins the party, much to the bees’ delight.
A very pretty flower that blooms at the end of the growing season.
Chili pecans also add color with fiery red pepper.
A ghost plant spills over the edge of a yellow pot of squid agave. The turquoise-pate gray leaves resemble exotic flowers.
The caterpillars of the Gulf Fritillary Fritillary are beginning to pupate on the deck rail. If you’re going to turn into a butterfly, it’s better to hurry south before it freezes.
As for me, I’m hanging out on the porch with a bouquet of fall chive seeds. I hope you too find moments of peace and gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
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