As we reach the end of August I am pleased to see some clearer skies and certainly appreciated the recent rainfall.  For a good part of the month the garden was shrouded with a smoky haze which advanced the garden into a fall like setting.  The blooms on the hydrangea paniculata are starting to turn pink.  The flower buds on the sedum “Autumn Joy” are now more distinctive.  

Pink Tinge on the Hydrangea Paniculata Blooms

I continue to deadhead the baskets and containers; trying to make that colour last as long as possible.  I am always assessing the garden and have made mental notes of what perennials need to be moved.  

The sweet peas have petered out now.  Despite the slow start I did in the end cut a profusion of flowers.  I plan on next year to try a different variety.  

The rudbeckias and sunflowers continue to brighten up corners of the garden.  It is great too that certain varieties of rose are blooming again.  Late flowering perennials of note are the japanese anemone and phlox.  

Most of all, this is the time when I reap the benefits of having a small vegetable patch.  It is always great just to pop outside and pick the tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini.  I particularly like to grow the roma and beefsteak tomatoes as they are great for making tomato sauces.   My outside container of mixed herbs also provides instant flavourings for the summer dishes.  

As well as the garden vegetables I have been picking the ever bearing raspberries and was happy this year to be able to gather all the peaches.  These were canned and used in a few peach cobblers.  

Every season has its beauty and I am looking forward to fall.  In particular to cool, crisp air and the array of fall colours as the leaves turn and the blooms fade.