Fall whispers farewell

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The garden is tucked under a blanket of leaves.

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We’ll let it wear this thin cover through the winter to protect sensitive perennials from frost while feeding the soil.

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I am always surprised at how quickly the garden can fade; from brilliant oranges, reds and golds

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to a canvas of grey and brown.

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Not dead; just moved to a new state of slumber as if to say, ‘let’s rest awhile.’ It is a well-deserved. Fall whispers farewell.

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Last year at this time, two weeks of record cold and frost were upon us. Unheard of for our area, it stole – overnight – the last color from the garden and resulted in more than a few casualties.

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This year, we are blessed with successive days of warm rain. The last roses shine like neon against an earth-colored backdrop.

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The long-term forecast says we will not yet escape the drought – but the outlook improves somewhat. For this we are very thankful. With the grey skies and the holidays upon us, the pumpkins were promptly dispatched to the compost pile

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and a living tree was moved in.

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While the décor has changed, we are still filled with the spirit of giving thanks. Our kennels are only half full after so many “going homes” including eleven of our twelve puppies –

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Only sweet Titania remains. We have promised her a home by Christmas.

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The breeder dogs that came in recently are all spoken for, including this beautiful pup – surrendered for a heart murmur. One person’s “defect” is another’s great fortune.

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For once, the pace is relaxed – with time for enjoying each other’s company as well as the company of dogs.

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Our own well-earned rest.

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“And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,
No longer blown hither and thither;
The last lone aster is gone;
The flowers of the witch hazel wither;
The heart is still aching to seek,
But the feet question ‘Whither?’” ~ Robert Frost

When Every Leaf is a Flower

Gardening was called today on account of rain. Lots of rain.

Despite a couple days of dreariness, the trees and plants are deserving of a good soak after another very long California summer of endless blue skies.

All are bowed in gratitude for a refreshing bath.

With the skies temporarily parted, Jackson and I set out to enjoy the autumn leaves and color that cooler temperatures have finally delivered to us.

Here he is posing. Please don’t laugh at his pointy head. He has a complex about it.

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ~Albert Camus

Now he is pretending that I don’t see him eyeing the big fat duck behind him.

Our start and stop pace for photos is confusing to him. As far as he is concerned, if you’ve seen one pretty tree – you have seen them all. Unless of course, another dog has visited it – or a squirrel sits in it.

“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” ~Emily Bronte

Tomorrow I will head out to the Memorial Garden to monitor its progress toward winter. Between showers and other duties, I hope to add a little more to the mulch pile. Over Thanksgiving, we plan to get spring bulbs in. Another California advantage – planting bulbs until December.

“Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.” ~William Cullen Bryant

Enjoy the color while you can. Winter waits behind it.