While out on my daily walk today I was amazed to see how much colour there still is throughout the Fintry community and the forever changing scenes along Shorts Creek in Fintry Provincial Park.

On my first sneak peak of my neighbour’s garden I discovered some striking orange/red dahlias in bloom which stood out against the fading leaves of other plants and shrubs.  

Next door the Virginia creeper is climbing partway over the garage doors and has turned to various tones of brown and red.   There were also some chrysanthemums still blooming with bright red flowers.  I spotted another variety of japanese maple which has turned to some beautiful shades.

Meanwhile I continue to admire the views along Shorts Creek.  I love the early morning light over Terrace Mountain and the leaves of the deciduous trees turning a brilliant yellow.  The stream is running very low but I like the way the yellow leaves on the trees are reflected in the pools of water.  

I have been busy raking leaves today and putting them on my flower beds.  It really does help to protect the plants during the winter.  I  potted up some more bulbs.  This time I planted the bulbs in layers, first the daffodils followed by tulips and a few snowdrops on the top.  I have put a large amount of leaves over the pot too and will bring them on in the greenhouse next year.  We managed to harvest most of the remaining vegetables, i.e. beets, parsnips, potatoes and swiss chard which certainly helped with my Thanksgiving menu.  I tried a new recipe with the swiss chard which turned out well.  I lightly sautéed the leaves in olive oil along with lemon, garlic plus parmesan cheese which was added towards the end.  

I conline to dismantle the hanging baskets much as I hate to do it as they are still blooming profusely.  I know though with the first frost I would lose some of my stock that I keep from year to year, i.e. the geraniums, fuchsias and osteospermums.  

Next project:  harvesting grapes to make grape jelly but I think I will leave that for another day.