A smile unconsciously forms as I begin to write, just in the thinking of the glorious season we call fall.

Many perennials shine forth like bright jewels in resplendent colours.  Asters (Asteraceae), coneflowers (Echinacea), windflowers (Anenome) and black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) come to mind. Annuals too, are holding court in many a garden.  How gorgeous the annual geraniums are this time of year, as are various varieties of begonia.

It is such a bittersweet experience to begin the process of cleaning up the gardens in preparation for winter and next spring. This includes pulling out annuals, which I usually undertake during October, finishing up by Hallowe’en. Not able to discard the beautiful blooms still remaining on the plants, I end up with vases filled with cut flowers.  These bring such joy for a week or two indoors, softening the gradual emptying of the garden beds outdoors.

Unusual, unseasonal happenings occur in our gardens from time to time.  While heading home from uptown a couple days ago I had to look twice to believe what I was indeed seeing — a bergenia in flower in a lucky stranger’s yard. This is highly unusual because bergenia, also known as elephant’s ears, typically blooms in early spring.

Similarly, in my garden, early spring scillas have reappeared in full leaf, having completely disappeared after blooming in early spring, and being dormant all summer.  What gives?? Unusual weather patterns, is my guess.

The previous column expressed frustration with major lawn problems as a result of a harsh dry summer.  After two weeks of raking out dead grass, putting down top soil and re-seeding, followed by diligent watering to keep the seed moist, I am delighted to say the lawn is rebounding with lush green growth! You can see the difference in the before and after photos.

Photos by Joan Cope