There is something about this time of year, the weather is damp and dank, the skies are grey and you know its ages until Spring.
With everything that's been going on the garden this year in relation to the koi pond, and the delays due to the wet damp summer we had its felt like the gardening year never really got going for us. Even to the point that a couple of weeks ago it sort of felt like spring. Not just the weather that weekend but the act of gardening and being excited. However that feeling is short lived with the cool damp weather here to stay.
Now before you think this is a post wallowing in misery (honest its not) I'll move on, rather than being miserable about the season we are embracing it, making plans and looking forward.
We are not usually ones for bedding plants, but despite that we bought a bunch of brightly coloured seasonable plants on Saturday from Crews Hill. Nothing at all exotic, but rather primulas, heathers, cyclamens, pansies (!) and even the rather strange looking ornamental cabbages. Nothing unusual, exotic or rare here, but bright and colourful. These have gone into tubs and baskets by the front door. Even in the depths of autumn and winter these will give a shot of colour by the front door as we leave for work and return home (it won't be long before we are doing both again in the dark). So we will be leaving with a cheery smile from a lovely selection of bright clashing colours as we head to work each day.
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| Not our usual sort of planting but what the heck... |
Mark was looking back through some old photos of Paris in a recent blog, and so we though how nice it would be to have a mini break before Christmas, so we have that to look forward to, and then of course there is Christmas too. Of course these are non-gardening things (well mostly as we will include a visit to the Botanic gardens in Paris - especially to go into the Glasshouses we missed previously). Now its all planned I can't wait, and I promise to share photos of the glasshouses on our return.
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| Paris in the summer |
However this tree is just on the corner near where we live, every year we comment on it, and every year we forget to take a photo (until this year!).
Autumn is a great time to reflect on the year as well as look forward to next year. Despite the cool weather, and the risk of frost just around the corner, I'm looking forward to the seasons ahead (especially Spring 2013!).
Gaz
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
These are some lovely photos. I like the bunch of plants you bought for this Fall. Hey if they give you some joy right now looking at them, that's what it's all about anyway. Have a great time on your trip when you take it.
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
Exactly Cher :) the display should last for awhile until well into winter when a series of frosts might blacken the growth. By then time to re-think what to replace them with until spring arrives.
DeleteI, also, dread the notion of leaving home in the morning darkness and returning in the afternoon darkness of winter, though I'm fortunate to work outside during those warm sunny hours. Your colorful plants are beautiful! I can understand how they will make you smile as you pass by!
ReplyDeleteHi Tim, I like it for what it is now, cheerful and bright :) Not our usual style of planting but good fun nevertheless!
DeleteI have also succumbed to winter annuals..I had managed to garden for 30 years or so without planting a single ornamental kale, but weakened last year and bought one for a container - it made me happy out there on the front the front porch all through the grey days. Ooo-those damn go to work in the dark, go home in the dark days.
ReplyDeleteHi ks, it takes awhile to get used to the 'dark before and after work' phase again. At least we have big windows where we work so get a glimpse of sun in between. Roll on spring, can't wait for daylight to start lengthening again (and warmer too!) :)
Delete(pansies??)!!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, if they make you happy go for it!
Oh yes, pansies, lol! A little humour and daft planting don't hurt :) I still prefer succulents though!
DeleteI really like the shot of the mailbox for some reason. Really looking forward to the pictures from the glasshouses at the Jardin des Plantes since I have never had the opportunity to go in.
ReplyDeleteHi College Gardener, were hoping this time we can get in the glasshouse. That photo is rather quintessentially British isn't it? :)
DeleteOh boy I can sure see the colors happening! Couple more weeks and it will be stunning! Sorry to hear you were delayed on your pond but it's just more to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteHi Candice, its great to see all the vibrant colour at this time of the year, We dont usually get the spectacular displays that New England is famous for, but hopefully it will develop to be a good show this year.
DeleteHi Gaz, those are beautiful plants, the ornamental cabbage i love very much. And those fallen leaves, I have been dreaming of walking on those barefoot. But my luck hasn't come yet. Happy vacation to you and Mark!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, the fallen leaves might look nice but they are usually cold, wet and the ground will be muddy, probably best to keep your shoes on :)
DeleteGaz I forgive you for your momentary lack of taste although I am certain Mark may take longer:-) Nothing wrong with a bit of naff occasionally and we all do it and learn from our mistakes.xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Don! we laughed even when buying these plants, but wanted a splash of colour at the front of the house :) And whats wrong with pansies hehe :) :)
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