Suddenly my garden has gone into full Fall mode.  With cooler temperatures this week there has definitely been a seasonal shift.  I have been frantically putting all the tender plants into the garage for winter protection.  It is always hard though to dismantle the hanging baskets when they are still looking so good.  However, through previous experience, once frost hits that would be a different story.  

We were very fortunate to escape on one or two camping trips before the change in weather.  We always enjoy travelling to the Kootenays and more recently we went to our favourite camping spot, Skimikin Lake just outside of Salmon Arm BC.  It is always an opportunity to completely unwind and relax.  It is the only time that I manage to read one or two books and not be distracted by social media.  

It seemed no sooner than we returned from our camping adventures we were celebrating Thanksgiving with our close family.  Fall decor was very simple this year with a few pumpkins scattered here and there, some fall wreaths and a simple posy for the Thanksgiving dinner table setting.  These days I prefer the simpler, the better.  

The leaves are falling fast and furiously as I write this post.  I usually crush the leaves with the lawn mower and use them as mulch on the garden beds.  There are lot of flowers still hanging on that have not been effected by the cooler weather; even the roses are still budding out.   The ever resilient rudbeckia, cosmos and phlox along with my asters.  

I always like to have a fall themed planter and particularly like the combination this year of white and pink chrysanthemums with a few pansies mixed in.  This container will stay on my deck until the flowers fade and will then be replaced with winter greens and berries.  

FALL THEMED PLANTER

Now is the time for me to sit back by a cozy fire and reflect on the gardening year which is slowly coming to an end.  There are still a few maintenance jobs to be done.  My fall clean up entails pruning back the perennials and mulching.  Eventually with the help of my husband we put up deer fencing to protect the hedging surrounding our property.  …..Until next time.