Sunday, November 7, 2010

buttoning up the back yard

There is something soothing about autumn cleanup. It’s like getting a palette ready for the next masterpiece. The flowers and ligularia have gone to seed for the birds. The lancifolia hosta are still hanging on, defiant till the first killing frost. I don’t think anything can kill the vinca which went native. Luckily, it hasn’t gotten invasive yet, but that is what weed whackers are for.

This year we lucked out with a perfect autumn day. The sun was out and the temps were in the low 50s. It rained for the last three days so the back yard was a wet. Everywhere off the paths, the ground was muddy. Well, we mowed anyway. Leaves mulched into the yard are better than leaves on the curb. The leaves on the paths went to the compost pile. The containers are all nicely stacked. The tools are all in the garage and the bunnies are stored away. Now let’s plan for next year. I've got a list of garden shows somewhere.







10 comments:

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Oh, you are good! I'm still working on it, need to cut down that Carex on the north side.

Eileen

Vesna Maric said...

I too haven't done all the job in the garden, but I still have time. The weather is simply beautiful and it will continue to be warm. Did lots of digging on Saturday, and still have some yellowing leaves to cut...

Carolyn ♥ said...

Your post title is perfect!

Lona said...

Hi Jim. That is what I did today. A final(I hope) cleanup of the leaves and stuck some more pots in the basement. I was glad all the leaves were about all down over the weekend.
Hey if you could would you save me some of your ligularia seeds? If the birds haven't gotten them.
If they are gone that is fine I just thought I would bum some off of your plants. LOL!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jim, It is so sad to see all those beauties dying.

Anonymous said...

I loved your title. Could not have said it better.

debsgarden said...

Your yard looks prepared for winter, and now you can sit back and dream about next year's garden shows! Well deserved!

Kris said...

Well,looks like you're on top of your cleanup game. Most of my trees dropped their leaves over the past couple of weeks but there are still a few holdouts. Looks like the weather will flip this Sunday bringing 'real' November days in the offing. (Ick.) I don't envy your having to work with wet leaves. Soon we'll all be tucking inside and catching up on our indoor chores. :-D

Ali said...

Oh Jim, I just love the photos of your garden... Couldn't be more different from home :)

lifeshighway said...

All neat and tidy for winter. You almost motivate me. I have a lot left to do.