It’s been awhile I know.

Between the septoplasty surgery, recovery, a wicked cold where I couldn’t blow my nose because of the recent surgery, rainy weather and softball weekends, I haven’t spent as much as five minutes in the garden. And that sucks because it’s the best time of year with the grasses in full swing and the slow introduction to autumnal color.

I did manage a few minutes outdoors yesterday morning to see what was going on and snapped a few pics for your viewing pleasure.

Nothing dramatic quite yet but it’s coming.

Eternal flame

If you’ve been around here the past few years, you may know already that Flame Grass (Miscanthus ‘purpurascens’) is the star of my garden September through October. It’s just now started to show off its killer foliage color and in tandem with the silver blooms, it’s kind of awesome.

Sedum and weep

The blooms on the Sedum are fading quickly but they are also a reminder as to how much they are a must in the garden this time of year.

Container fading

The one advantage to all of the rain we’ve received this summer and early fall is that there’s been little need to provide supplemental water to all of the containers.

They’re still holding strong and I’m enjoying every last minute of joy they provide.

Other signs of autumn

Viburnum carlesii ‘Aurora’.

While half the size because of the deer, the Redtwig Dogwood still shining with the good old red stems.

The Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ with great dark color in contrast to the yellowing Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’. This combo looks phenomenal on an overcast fall day.

My go-to mash-up of Joe Pye Weed, Amsonia hubrichtii, Itea and of course, ornamental grasses.

Newly added

I planted three Aster ‘Lady in Black’ a few weeks back and they are now blooming. We’ll see if the deer stay away as advertised (ha, as if) and how they ultimately fit into their new location.

Deck views

When there’s nothing but rain and the garden is drenched, the only option is to enjoy it from above on the deck.

Grasses

Let’s end it with some ornamental grass photos.

Sorghastrum (Indian Grass).

Miscanthus ‘Variegatus’

First few blooms on Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’.

Pennisetum ‘Foxtrot’