Thursday, October 29, 2015

The Welcome Sound of Rain

Rain, rain, glorious rain!  After at least a month with no significant rainfall, a gentle rain is falling this morning, and I am thrilled.


Normally, I wouldn't complain about day after day of warm and sunny weather in October, but when you are trying to plant bulbs in ground that is as hard as concrete, you start wishing for gray days with rain soaking the soil.  Pulling out weeds and even dead annuals isn't easy either, when their roots are stuck in the aforementioned cement.


I've planted most of the bulbs in the garden, where the soil is much better, but I have crocuses I want to plant in part of the lawn and daffodils around some trees, so a good rain should make these two jobs much easier.  I've also done just a little garden clean-up, including pulling/cutting back most of the Rudbeckia triloba.  Although the seedheads look rather cool,  they were in my way as I planted tulips.  Besides, these brown-eyed Susans took over one area of the lily bed this summer, and I really don't want any more here.  Of course, I probably scattered thousands of little seeds as I cut them back, so it may have been an exercise in futility anyway.


Most of the Echinacea seedheads will stay in place through the winter, however.  I still see some goldfinches--less colorful as we approach winter--feasting on the seeds occasionally, and the seedheads add some winter interest when topped with a dollop of snow.


Once the ground is a little softer, though, all the rest of the annuals will be pulled.  We had a light frost a week ago,  but its effects varied from place to place.  In town I noticed that most annuals were still going strong, but here in the country where the wind whips across the flat land, it's a different story.  My poor 'Zowie' zinnias just couldn't escape the cold.


The Gomphrena was hit, too, but with a different effect--
the blooms now look like little frosted pink pompons.


Fall seems to be slipping by without a chance for me to enjoy it as much as usual this year.  No time for leisurely drives or walks in the woods with Sophie.  Saturdays have been fun, however, with Illini football games, and older grandson's football games and the younger grandsons' soccer games.  But family obligations have kept me preoccupied much of the rest of the time--my mother has been in and out of the hospital for the past month and is back in a nursing home once again.  Meanwhile, many of the trees changed color and dropped their leaves before I really noticed it.

Still, there are moments when I notice the changing world around me.  On a particularly beautiful sunny day as I was driving to visit Mom, I came over the crest of a small hill and came upon a scene of golden fields stretching for miles with farmers busy harvesting.  No time to stop for a photo, but the scene uplifted my spirits so, making me think of the line "amber waves of grain"--the quintessential Midwest scenery.



Other than enjoying the fall scenery as I whiz past it in a car, most of my appreciation of fall has been closer to home.  The old oak tree at the end of the lane is beginning to change from green to bronze, and at the right corner of the photo you can see one of the burning bushes in their brilliant reds.


My favorite tree this time of year, the maple in the center of the yard, is slowly becoming more and more orange.  The leaves gradually change color from the top moving downward.  It's always the last tree to lose its leaves, and once it does, I know that winter is not far away.


The crabapples have all lost their leaves, but plenty of ripe fruit remain,
 waiting for the birds to find it.


While the trees are the most obvious examples of fall color, the garden is slowly changing color, too.  Solomon's Seal turns a light buttery shade as the season winds down.


I think this might be the 'Stained Glass' hosta--almost as eye-catching as it was in its prime.


Pokeberries are finally a deep purple--
I do hope their stains come out of my gardening pants, by the way:)


Amsonia tabernaemontana is turning a beautiful golden hue.


But my favorite golden shrub in the fall is the Amsonia Hubrichtii.  This photo isn't as striking as last year's pose (see banner photo) when the Beautyberry still had its leaves and was covered with frost.  But still, you can't help but notice the Amsonia--it positively glows in the sunlight.

There is now over two inches of rain in my rain gauge--hooray!  This makes my garden happy, and me, too, since it will make working in the garden so much easier.  I have so much still to do, but the forecast is for sunny days in the 70's next week, so I'll be out finishing the bulb planting and as many of the top-priority items on my list as I can before the weather turns.  And if I don't get all the rest done . . . well, there's always next Spring!

50 comments:

  1. It is exciting to get rain when it has been as dry as it has been for us. My Amsonia isn't turning yellow much yet. It is trying. Maybe this rain will get it going. We still have some nice weather for gardening. Of course next spring will be a whole different year... I hope your Mom gets to feeling better.

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    1. I planted some bulbs after the rain, Lisa, and what a difference! With the nice weather this week is supposed to bring, I should be able to finish up. So glad you finally got some rain, too.

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  2. So pleased that your garden is getting some eagerly awaited rain. We take it for granted here and seem to have far too much. It's pouring with rain now and it looks like its in for the day.
    Your garden seems to always have something of beauty and interest in it.
    I'm pleased you have such lovely colours in the changing leaves. I do love it too and we've had a mild Autumn this year and somehow, I'm looking forward to everything, no matter what the weathers like!

    Luv Maggie x

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    1. There have been some falls when it seems like it would never stop raining, Maggie, but not this year. We're lucky to have had a nice gentle rain, not the storms and flooding they've had in places like Texas. Thanks for your sweet comments--I hope you are getting a chance to finally take some time to enjoy autumn yourself.

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  3. You are making me feel better about this rainy day in Maine. I do hope your mother's health stabilizes. Take time for yourself too. xo

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    1. Normally, I don't like too many rainy days, Sarah, but we were in desperate need of it! Thanks for your concern for my mother.

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  4. We had a good deal of rain up here as well, and I was frankly very relieved. Lovely photographs, The Amsonia hubrichtii is a real standout. I hope your mom's health improves.

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    1. Glad to hear the rain found you, too; I know Lisa of Greenbow had been without rain for even longer and finally got some as well. The Amsonia hubrichtii is fast becoming a favorite of mine.

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  5. Rose girl : ) ... I have always thought your header picture was stunning and has peeked my interest in acquiring an amsonia if only for that shocking gold hue it displays for Fall ... absolutely gorgeous !
    We finally have had good soakings of rain courtesy of that weird hurricane .. the winds today are scary but it helps with blowing the leaves into other yards instead of us ? LOL
    Your maple tree is also a beauty ... mine in the back garden has treated me to some awesome colours finally without a lot of the black tar spot .. I hope that cycle is well and truly over.
    Buttery ! that is the description I have been looking for with Solomon's Seal .. I think I was calling them ghostly ... but your description is better I think. I have more bulbs to plant and a few ornamental grasses ... then raking of leaves .. more mulch and then ? I should be done.
    There are loads of indoor house chores that I have waiting for me when I can't escape them any more ... so lets enjoy this last bit of fun outside while we can eh ?
    Take care!!
    Joy : )

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    1. Joy, I am trying to think of a place I can put another Amsonia, because I love the gold foliage so much, too. But if it's like other Amsonias, I need to make sure I'm certain it's the right place, because they have taproots that go on forever! Some years I'm lucky, too, that the leaves eventually blow away, and I don't even have to rake:)

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  6. Wonderful pictures and I do empathize with your title. We got our glorious sound of rain last weekend (over 6 inches) after two extremely dry months. Very welcome indeed.

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    1. Dorothy, I do hope you are not getting too much rain! I've seen some photos of some of the flooding and storms in Texas, and I hope you are safe.

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  7. What a nice rain for you! I had to wait to plant bulbs until after a rain too. Made a big difference in the digging.

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    1. I planted some bulbs after the rain, Gardener, and what a difference! No more concrete:)

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  8. I hoped you danced in the rain Rose :) I know you have waited a long time to hear the pitter patter of raindrops.

    Some beautiful autumn colours in your post.....I love your favourite tree to, gorgeous.

    Have a good weekend.

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    1. I didn't dance, Cheryl, but I didn't complain about getting wet when I went outside:) The maple is my favorite this year, and I can see it from inside and just about every vantage point outside--perfect placement!

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    2. Hi Rose,
      You left a comment on my blog about Leeds castle. I did not put any facts about the castle because some may just find it boring.
      The castle itself is around 1,000 years old. It has been home to six royal Queens.
      You can imagine during that period so much has happened ............it you would like a pamphlet on it, the next time I go will pick one up for you and send it. Just let me know..............

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  9. I would be a competition for the birds, because I love crabapples, when they are ripe or even overripe. They are from my childhood!
    I wish the best to your Mom, Rose!

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    1. Tatyana, my mother used to make crabapple jelly when I was young--as I remember it, crabapples were rather tart. But I'm afraid these are so tiny, they wouldn't make much of anything. I've never tried to eat them--I'll let the birds have them all:)

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    2. They are getting sweeter when they are overripe, they should be soft. Well, kids love weird things - I remember we ate overripe pears, almost brown, too!

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    3. They are getting sweeter when they are overripe, they should be soft. Well, kids love weird things - I remember we ate overripe pears, almost brown, too!

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  11. Rain can be so very welcome and helpful ...
    I just find it so hard to believe that tomorrow will be 1st November, the year has certainly flown by ...
    Thank you for sharing some lovely Autumn colours in your post ...

    Sorry to hear about your Mom - sending my best wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. I agree this year has flown by, Jan. I'm ready for some relaxation this winter, but already thinking of plans for spring:) Thanks for your wishes for my mom.

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  12. Some years seem to be like that - you blink and the leaves have fallen. When did they change colours? This seems like a very vulnerable time for you Rose - watching your Mom as she struggles. I hope things settle down for her now that she's out of hospital.

    And at the other end of the time spectrum - how nice to have the grands close by so you can be part of their lives, cheering them on for their sporting events.

    Yes, I too enjoy a gentle autumn rain, especially after a dry spell. Haven't planted my bulbs as yet, but plan to do so soon!
    I remember that maple tree from other years - beautiful!

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    1. Thanks, Wendy; I'm afraid Mom is on a steady decline. I'm just trying to spend as much time with her as I can right now. And yes, the grandkids balance out my life--youngest grandson will be for a few days tomorrow, and I'm so excited about seeing him. Nothing like hugging a grandbaby to lift your spirits. Hope all is well with you.

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  13. Hi Rose, I just love the Amsonia. I looked up Amsonia Hubrichtii and it is supposed to tolerate dry areas. I'm not sure they would be hardy here, some winters in northern IL are brutal.

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    1. I forget just when I planted this Amsonia, Marnie, but I'm sure it was before the awful winter of 2012-13, so it has survived through some pretty harsh winters here. It's also in an open area where it gets the full blast of winter winds, so I think it's worth a try in your garden.

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  14. We have been lucky the weather here has been pretty balanced in October. I managed late this afternoon to get the last of my bulbs in. I may buy more if I can find some clearance sale ones, but if not, what I have planted will do.
    I have three different kinds of Amsonia now. Not sure if one of them is Hubrichtii. Hopefully,one of them is because I always admire the color yours takes on each fall.
    Hope your Mother gets better and is able to stay away from the hospital. Must Be fun watching the grandsons play sports. I so look forward to being a grandma one day soon.

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    1. I finally finished planting my bulbs yesterday, Jennifer--hooray! The rain really made a difference in the soil, but I still had to dig around tree roots to get them all in, which isn't the easiest job. The Amsonia hubrichtii has noticeably different foliage than the others, more fern-like. Being a grandma is the best!

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  15. Loved seeing your photos. I'm so glad you were blessed with rain. Also, I do hope your mother is improving.

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    1. Thanks for your concern about my mother, Sally. It's not easy watching someone who has always been so active and independent become so dependent, but I'm thankful she is not in pain. We had a nice rain, making the final gardening chores much easier.

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  16. You've captured fall beautifully. Happy Fall to you!

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    1. Thanks, Tina; it has been a beautiful fall!

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  17. That amsonia is probably my favorite shrub too. I also love our native sumacs. They brighten the fields around my garden with splashes of red. Fall is such a beautiful season, and ours has been so long this year. I'm sorry about your mom. That is so hard. Hang in there my friend.~~Dee

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    1. Even my Amsonia tabernaemontana is looking golden these days, Dee. Thanks for the encouragement about my mother; it's been a difficult summer and fall.

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  18. Hi Rose: there was something magical looking at Autumns golden trees as your photo show. Yes I loved the heavy rains we've had in October. Gulp we even got a few snowfalls that toppled most plants in my flower garden. Now all trees in my world leafless, it's very still without the rustle of leaves. My house is also still as my one and only fur Babie has left too. Sad to say.

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    1. I'm so sorry to hear about Babie, Anna. I know your house must seem very quiet without your two faithful companions.

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  19. It's been such a dry summer that I rejoice whenever it rains, too! We got one day of rain last week, but not much. The forecast keeps teasing us with rain, but when the day comes, it always changes to 'partly cloudy'. I love your Gomphrena - so cute! I love the autumn colors. I hope your mother's health strengthens and stabilizes!

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    1. After this rain, we've had a few more days of rainfall, Indie, which have been so welcome. It's too late in the season to help the annuals, but it will certainly help the perennials get through the winter. Thank you for your concern about my mom.

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  20. I hope there is more rain on the way before true winter hits. Poke berries spread so easily here. Are they manageable in your garden? Love that amsonia. Sorry about your mom. :( I know how hard that is.

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    1. Thanks for the kind comments, Tammy; I know so many have gone through the same experience with their parents. Every year one pokeberry appears in this same place in the garden. I know I should pull it, but I think the berries are kind of cool. I may regret that if it starts spreading, though.

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  21. Rose, what a wonderful header! I love the color of maple tree, here all maples faded and threw down their leaves. Fall is very colorful season, isn't it?

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    1. Thanks, Nadezda. We still have some leaves on the trees, but not many. It's been a beautiful fall, and I hate to see it end.

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  22. You are so right - there is always next spring! Your photos are beautiful - so evocative of this wonderful time of year. I am sorry that your mum has been in hospital. I hope that she is comfortable and settled now and that you can take a little more time to enjoy your garden.

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  23. I was waiting for rain to get my fall plantings done too. Your banner shot takes my breath away every time that I see it! I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. That is so hard. Take care.

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  24. What a beautiful post. I'm so glad to be able to visit again. We have spent the last months moving into a new house and starting a new garden that there has been very little time for that visiting which I have really missed. It is such a pleasure to take a tour of your garden again.

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  25. You really have some cheery images! When I got home from Europe after 18 days, we have temperatures in the 60's with many flowers in bloom. I was shocked to say the least. I think we are going to have a mild winter, even though the forecast said wintry weather this weekend. Sad to hear of your mother in the hospital then nursing home. I know what that is like. My mom also took that back and forth route before she passed. It puts demands on all the family and is hard to see someone they love having ill health.

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    1. Thank you, Donna, for those kind words. My mom is back in the hospital again, and yes, that back and forth route is hard on everyone, especially my 90-year-old father. So glad you are home safe and sound and were able to enjoy your trip.

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    2. Thank you, Donna, for those kind words. My mom is back in the hospital again, and yes, that back and forth route is hard on everyone, especially my 90-year-old father. So glad you are home safe and sound and were able to enjoy your trip.

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