I have been quite neglectful with my gardening blog lately as my husband and I are making the most of the warm indian summer days.  Sadly though at the time of writing this post the forecast does not look too great but my garden always benefits from a certain amount of rainfall.  I still have plenty of colour particularly with the annuals as they tend to do a last spurt of growth this time of year.  At the same time though the trees and shrubs are gradually turning reminding us that the summer season is nearing an end.

The blue annual salvia continues to put on a good show and the bees absolutely love it.  Just sitting outside on the deck this morning I was mesmerized by a large bumble bee hovering around the tall plants that I have in a container.  

Meanwhile the osteospermums, sunflowers and a self seeded petunia add brilliant colour to the baskets and containers including the crimson geraniums and trailing fuchsia.  

The annual rudbeckias are starting to die down now but they have bloomed since mid July.  This is a plant which most certainly rewards you each year with its bright yellow flowers and deep coloured centres.

Early signs of fall are present in the ever-changing leaves of the Japanese maples and the blooms on the sedum Autumn Joy and hydrangea paniculata.  While walking in the park the other day I noticed too the leaves on the virginia creeper have already turned red.  We have this vine growing on our arbour but it tends to be a little invasive.

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I finally got around to dealing with the masses of basil I have growing as per the method provided in Colleen’s post on preserving herbs.  Please visit www.thefoodblog.net or @colleenthefoodblog for further details.   I have also been harvesting beets and carrots.  Sadly the tomatoes are dwindling but we certainly made the most of them throughout summer.  

While entertaining family and friends throughout August it always gives us an opportunity to be the tourist.  I thoroughly enjoyed our wine tour with my cousin and friend from the UK.  Highlights of the trip were visiting Summerhill and Vibrant Vines Wineries.   In addition to the wine tasting, I enjoyed taking photos of the vistas surrounding the tasting rooms.

For continued colour as the annuals subside, this is a good time of the year to plant crysanthemums, asters and cool loving plants such as pansies.  I also have a great variety of solidago, a perennial that provides sprays of yellow delicate flowers..  

Make the most of the last of the summer days.