Summer never lasts as long as I want! As I begin to write there are less than 5 days left on the calendar. It is a time to reflect, think and remember the things we did or didn't do in the summer gardens. It is also time to review our mistakes as well as our accomplishments. I think about the things I over planted in the gardens such as cantaloupes and tomatoes. Then I look out the rear window and see the "forest" of sunflowers which were supposed to grow only 40 inches, but have topped six feet! I think about what to plan for 2020 (I can't get used to dating beyond the 1900's). Next year is actually 2020! Hard to believe! Anyway it is time to show some photos of garden successes.
There will be plenty of time in the winter months for planning the spring gardens. As the years go by I have to stop and put the brakes on over-planting or starting new gardens. And I am slowly realizing that the need is for reduction in garden sizes and numbers of plants in them. I suppose if one is accustomed to large gardens and landscapes that the real difficulty is acknowledging our limitations; there are only so many hours in one day. And senior bodies do not have the energy, stamina and endurance as when we were in our twenties! I believe I have come to that point. Sad to say that is reality! I am also challenged with many unknown numbers of irises.
I know it is not possible for all gardeners to think in terms of limitations. When I began writing I titled this blog post "Last Days Of Summer". Then I shifted my focus to the enormous amount of work required to tend and maintain all the plants and gardens each spring and summer. It can be overwhelming, especially when weeds get out of control or insects (think Japanese Beetles) attack in masses. I know I am wandering all over the spectrum with different subjects, but they are all a reality, and all are important. I probably need to direct my thoughts to the title, "last days of summer" and what I really intended to write about. Anyway the calendar tells me Monday, September 23 will begin Autumn. I know summer is coming to an end without the calendar. How? The crickets are chirping more, the Katy-Dids are more vocal, and the oaks are shedding acorns all over the lawns. Also the cicadas are completing their life cycles by their buzzing like miniature chain saws in the branches of trees. All of these point to summer's end. If that isn't enough the Goldenrods (solidago) are in full bloom in massive numbers everywhere. Memories of summer are to be cherished. One way to remember summer is in pictures.
I always get a little sad-faced when autumn rolls around. Summer just hasn't lasted long enough for me. And I must admit autumn is a wonderful time of year with all its colorful leaves, bountiful harvests and crisp fresh air. I'm glad to not be in control of the seasons; I'd probably add another month of summer just to keep winter away! However I realize that cannot be done so I will gently and fondly bid summer good by for another year with some summer pictures. At left is a photo of the lily garden with several additions over the years. At right is a view of zinnias blooming profusely in a section of the vegetable garden. 
Discussions:
| Thread Title | Last Reply | Replies |
|---|---|---|
| Beautiful! by slowcala | Dec 19, 2019 2:04 PM | 3 |
| Summer/Autumn by vic | Sep 20, 2019 8:22 PM | 2 |
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