September's Magical Light

September is my favourite time of the year and here's why. There is something strange and magical about the light of early fall. Those late summer yellows and oranges clashing with magentas and purples suddenly look right in the garden.  It's the last vibrant scream of the flowers before they begin their autumn descent. As the sun shines lower, the sky above appears bluer and light reflects more directly off each leaf and surface. All the subtle patterns of nature, such as the textured relief of a tree trunk, are more readily revealed in the subtle play of light and shadows.

I love to observe a well tended and lush garden in the fall.  There are so many amazing flowers that thrive now. One of the true luxuries of having a garden is to be able to enjoy flowers for as long a season as possible.  

Hardy Fuchsia magellanica 

Classic Sedum 'Autumn Joy' with Purple Aster

 Purple Coneflower (Echinacea) echos the colour of the house here. Black Eyed Susan " Rudbeckia Goldstrum" adds the bright, brassy yellow

 Hydrangea

 Gallardia (Blanket Flower) surrounded by annuals (orange Zinnias, pale mauve Verbena and Magenta Cleome)

Other stars of the early fall garden are surely the ornamental grasses. The unusual horizontal stripes of Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' holds it's form better than the cultivar 'Zebrinus' 

Many grasses 'flower' in the fall with complex seed heads that wave in the breeze and catch the light....

Plan ahead for next fall by planting some late bloomers in the Spring to enhance your autumn landscape.

P.S. Happy Birthday fellow Virgos!