True story.
I had this post completed about ten minutes ago.
And then I deleted it.
Because it sucked.
So now you are reading version 2.0. I don’t know if it’s any better, but it is definitely more real.
I hope I’m not coming across as whiny with my series of posts the past few months. I realize we are not dealing with a life and death situation here (although somewhat debatable … couldn’t resist). I know things could be much worse.
But the uncertainty of our situation with this proposed pipeline makes it so difficult to not only relax, but concentrate on anything else. There are meetings to attend each week, reading material to absorb and official letters to read, interpret and interpret again. Keeping active does the mind well but it is during the down time when the brain starts to wander and wonder.
Originally I had written a whimsical post about the onset of fall and pieced together what I thought were the different phases of autumn as it pertains to the garden. It felt insincere when I went back to read and edit it, so without much thought, I deleted it all. It didn’t work and needed to go.
I haven’t felt whimsical in a long time and it felt dishonest to pretend to be so now. This blog has always had a lighter tone and hopefully some day it will return to that. That was how I felt at the time and I’ve come to realize that I’m only capable of writing in a manner that matches my mood.
That mood today is one of uncertainty. And as I photographed the garden in its current autumn state, I found myself desperately wanting fall to stick around. I am so dreading the dark and cold and dreary winter. I’ve come to realize that my garden is in its peak in fall and I just want it to stay that way for a long ass time.
So with that inspiring set-up (haven’t lost the sarcasm a bit) here are the bittersweet photos of my autumn garden.
Little bit of every color here.
This shot represents the onset of fall with the fall colors of the Itea (Sweetspire) ‘Henry’s Garnet’ and Clethra (Summersweet) but with summer still hanging around with the never say die Petunias in the background.
Spent flowers just about ready to throw in the towel.
The richness in color and texture is evident here and damn I wish I could hit the “pause” button.
Subtle changes on other plants warn of it what is to come.
My beloved grasses are all like “Sorry dude, we can only hold up for so long.”
Flame grass is literally on fire and I can’t take my eyes off  of it.
And some are blooming (Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’) and some are on their way out (Clethra and Joe Pye Weed).
Thanks for sharing your beautiful garden with us. I love seeing your weekly photos. It’s inspiration for my garden, although all I ever seem to do is weed control in a yard infested with poison ivy, oriental bittersweet, and mugwort – yikes! Hang in there with your pipeline issues. Yes, it is serious when Money buys the Power to invade your personal space and privacy in such a big way. Having been through something similar I can understand your feelings in the matter. We ended up moving our house to a new location after it was deemed in the way of an interstate highway. I wish you all the best.
Thanks so much Tina! Sounds like you went through some big issues and hopefully all is well now? As frustrating as it has been, we are doing our best to keep the proper perspective and know how much worse things could be.
your garden is so beautiful…I am trying to “re-grow” native plants in my small plot of land but seldom have enough time to really do it right. You are inspiring me to try again with this blog!
..and the uncertainty is definitely always there in the back of the mind with this pipeline fight. That is what is so insidious. That and the realization of how twisted things are, (granted not as bad as other places, but bad enough)here in the US where corporations control everything…even gardens.
Thanks Elizabeth! Huge fan of natives as well and always love to hear I can inspire someone, makes it all worth it.
Twisted is so right. I feel so naive to only have realized it now.
Thanks for the kind words!
I totally understand how you feel…I wish I was able to “rise above” things, but often when things are difficult I kind of just shut down. With our awful, awful neighbors last year I couldn’t muster any enthusiasm about the garden, since they were constantly destroying it. I found it impossible to be optimistic or even look forward to things I normally would, since I was always sure that they’d be ruined before I even got to enjoy them…and it resulted in me not blogging for almost a year…it just seemed so pointless…how many times could I write “this is the time when X plant would have been blooming but it got stomped into the dirt by a douchebag,”…oy. Granted, it’s not on the same scale as what you are facing…but I totally can feel your pain…and hope it is resolved soon…especially if it’s in your favor.
Scott – I had no idea you had it that bad. That sucks! Hopefully it has resolved itself? Stay away from our gardens everyone!
So loving the two Flame grass pictures esp. the second ones that shows how it brings out the best in its companions.
You have a real talent for making any subject very interesting and readable…truth is, sarcasm always works with me.
Thanks (as always) Michaele! The flame grass is so stellar, now sad that this cold snap has rendered them all brown. A big thank you for always stopping by and leaving kind words.
Sorry you’re having to deal with such a tough and uncertain situation. I know what you mean about not feeling genuine with carefree posts when your life isn’t carefree. I struggle with that sometimes, too. In any case, your garden is looking warm and welcoming. We’re quickly approaching peak color here in the Madison area. Take care.
Thanks Beth! Hope to some day soon return to being more carefree. Our peak color disappeared overnight with a cold snap. I want it back!
best post ever! You’ve still got it; the ability to amaze. I stand in envy of your plant combos and am thankful you choose to share. You’ve had a positive impact on my gardens and I hope, when the evil vizier has been banished from your relm, you find time to publish your own book.
Joanne – you are way too kind! Comments like these really make it all worth while. Thank you so so much!
You don’t have to have the worst problem in the world to justify struggling with what life is slinging at you right now. From where I stand, it looks as though you are experiencing grief which comes from loss of something important to you, not just loss of loved ones. When it gets to be too much, try shrinking your vision to a week or a day or a few hours — sometimes even 5 minutes. Do what you did in today’s post, live in and appreciate this moment. Best wishes and good luck. My fingers are crossed for you. :>
Diane – you really nailed it, the shrinking of the vision is dead on. Thanks so much for the concern and stopping by to leave such a nice comment!
Your garden is inspiring – you’ve created such beautiful combinations of color and texture. With your excellent photography skills you will be able to continue to enjoy this season while your garden rests in winter. I too have trouble with the end of summer and then the fading of autumn. We don’t really get snow and subzero here in the NW but I cringe to see the endless gray and rain set in. I’ve lived here all my life but the gray doesn’t get easy just because its familiar.
Here we are fighting Shell Oil trying to increase the number of huge flammable oil trains running through our area every day, effectively making an explosive pipeline on rails along sensitive shorelines and through the centers of cities. In addition to huge polluting open trains of coal for shipping to China. What a self serving racket these energy companies have set up! But we fight to win. Hope you can keep a sharp glint in your eye and your edge of sarcasm, but also look for balance in the beauty of each day. The reason for the fight!
Best to you and yours.
Colleen – thanks for the props! I’m banking on at least some winter interest to get me through. We are all fighting these big greedy corporations aren’t we? Thank you for the kind words!