FLAVORS OF FALL

When October rolls around...
Fall is officially here.

Juicy crisp apples start appearing
at road side stands and
Farmers Markets.

Scents of cinnamon and cider are in the air
everywhere.

Your mouth waters for that
first slice of pumpkin pie.

Oh, and the hardy soups that
warm the soul.

But my absolute favorite
is a dreamy slice of my sister's
carrot cake!

Happy Fall!

FALL IS IN THE AIR

It's been seventeen days since my last post.
I feel like I should do penitence but I'm not Catholic.
I always tend to get a bit melancholy when Fall is in the air.
I don't know why, it just is.

Even though things in the garden are starting to fade,
there is still a lot going on and
coming on.

Yellow Asters are starting to peek out.

Rose of Sharon spring up everywhere.

Clematis having another go.

Knock Out Roses still going strong.

This Mandevilla, I in doored all last Winter, has finally
decided to bloom.

One of my favorite things about this time of year.
Autumn Clematis

Lots of buds on my Mums.

Happy Gardening.

STRAIGHT FROM THE GARDEN

My vision came to life this past Saturday. A year ago my aunt from Michigan was visiting

and told me about a scarecrow scene that she and her gardening buddies do every year in a community garden.

They pick a theme and make it happen. This past Summer I decided I was

going to do something in my yard this year.

My theme, "straight from the garden", everything I used, except for the crazy cat toy

eyeballs came from the garden, the garden shed or the basement.

I'm going to link with Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.

This is my spot I selected in the front yard.


I knew I wanted to use my little weathered park bench I had purchased
for five dollars at a
yard sale two summers back.



Before our yard sale in August, I had raided my niece's stash and confiscated
some clothing for my couple to wear.




I decided to build the bodies out of used garden pots that were just taking up
space in the gardening shed. I just pulled out anything that looked interesting
and went to town. In the back of my mind I kept hearing Tim Gunn saying
"make it work".



I used Liquid Nails to secure the pots together for the body and legs.

I chose an old bird feeder for my guy's head. It's a little small for the body

but I think that gives him character.

The beard is Spanish moss, lips and ears are made from the pods of a Hyacinth Bean plant,

and those great eyes came from Big Lots in the pet department.

For my gal, I used a watering can for the head.

This bee broach on her bonnet is another cat toy

...detail...detail...detail!

The bonnet is an upside down twig basket.

And here they are, straight from the garden, taking a little rest and watching the

neighbors as they pass on their daily walk.

Happy Gardening!

GARDEN PHOTOS

I got off work early yesterday and was able to work outside most of the day.

I an truly loving this weather. We've gotten some rain over the last few days,

and everything seems to regenerated.

I'm working on an outdoor Fall project, I hope to post about within the next couple days.

In the mean time I snapped theses pictures so you can see what I'm seeing...

...in my own backyard.

Happy Gardening.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Summer has bid her farewells, so it's time for a change.

The weather has turned off cool here. It makes me want to add a few

simple Fall touches to my space.

Just a few fresh flowers of yellow, orange and coral.



I purchased five small pots of mums and added them to an old basket
for my table.



Spanish moss is a great way to hide the plastic pots and tray they're in.




This cute bird was made for me by my niece, I think it's a perfect add on

to my arrangement.

It will only get better as they start to open up,

until then, I'll enjoy the sweet buds.

Linking to Metamorphosis Mondays@

Between Naps on the Porch.

and

house in the roses

Happy Gardening.

NEW PRINT BY AMBER ALEXANDER

Right before I went on vacation I ordered a print from etsy by Amber Alexander.

When I arrived home it was waiting for me.

I love cats and I love birds, the print was perfect for me.

When I ordered it, I didn't really have a place in mind...

...but I was thinking bedroom.
I knew it would be time to warm up the bedroom for Fall.





What tickled me, was Amber had included two small note cards just right for framing.
What a bonus! While on vacation we had gone to Ikea and I had purchased two small black
frames to have on hand. I couldn't resist them at two bucks a pop.
What a treat to get such a treasure at hardly no cost. I love it!




Here's my print, it's title, Tolerance.
Most of Amber's prints are of animals, but in a whimsical setting.
You can visit her site at etsy here.
Take a look, you'll be glad you did.




My new print.





In my new Fall bedroom.






All set for those cozy nights.

IN THE MOOD

The cooler weather and the warmer colors that are starting to emerge outside are

putting me in the mood for Fall.

Now I'm not one to hurry time along, if there is anything

I've learned, is that time goes by way to fast.

I've been on the hunt for things outside

that can be brought in for the coming season.

I know Michael's does a big business, but I've found for me,

I can do just as well scouring my backyard and the neighborhood alleys.

My space is small, I have to be careful not to over do.
One thing I can not live without come Fall...
...lots of mums!


My sister and I headed out this past Saturday to my favorite local nursery,Vest.
It is a family business and they grow everything
in their own greenhouses.
I took along my camera, I knew there would be lots of
dramatic Fall colors
when we got to the Mum houses.




What a surprise I had!
Oh, there were rows and rows of mums, but no color.
Mrs. Vest, owner and operator told me that the mums were about three weeks later
due to the extreme heat we experienced over the Summer.



We purchased Nine and vowed to go back for more
in a few weeks.
I planted three in the backyard and the other six will find homes in pots on the front porch.



As we were leaving, we got a glance of coming attractions. Three or four houses of
Christmas Poinsettias, and that was only what we could see.




Can't wait for that picture.


Happy gardening to all.