A celebration of fall in photos; flowers, weeds and seeds

Most of my impatiens succumbed to impatiens downy mildew. I wish I could remember the name of this one as it’s still going strong. Photos by Doug Oster Tribune-Review

These garlic chives have gone to seed and will ensure there are many more plants next season.

I’ve heard gardeners say they get tired at the end of the season, ready to see the garden shut down until next spring. I never feel that way.

The advantage of living in an oak forest is that frost is slow to come. I’m usually one of the last to be hit. The disadvantage is blowing all the leaves off the drive and patio, but that’s another story.

With a mild start to November I’m soaking in the last of the beauty until the cold starts in earnest. Even though I’ve safely stashed some tender plants in an unheated greenhouse, most are left to fend for themselves outside. Some are still happily blooming, others fading, some are going to seed and there’s also beauty in the weeds that persist.

It’s been a great, long season that’s not over yet. I’m still planting flowering kale, pansies, collards and other cold weather vegetables in the garden. The veggies will be under some protection to keep them happy for the winter. These things will continue for month or maybe even until spring.

For me the season always ends too soon. I don’t want to rest, that’s one of reasons I’m still planting.

Weeds are beautiful too.

The seed pods of moonflower might be as beautiful as the flowers.

Caladiums are one thing that can’t take any cold. I had them growing in a hanging basket along with ivy. The ivy can take anything and I’ll save the caladium bulbs indoors for the winter.