This strikes me as the epitome of autumn: leaves settled in the crotch of the ancient cherry tree.
As the leaves begin to fall from the Poncirus trifoliata ‘Flying Dragon’, the quirky, taloned branches form a tracery through which the colors of the season can be glimpsed.
The Kousa dogwood is doing its bit as it rises from the golden arms of the Lonicera nitida ‘Lemon Beauty’.
Not to everyone’s liking, but reds and purples is one of my favorite combinations: Beauty berry backed up by a common, low-growing form of Nandina.
Even in death, the Eutrochium nee Eupatorium (grrr) pleases my eye…
especially as seen silhouetted against a leaden sky.
Speaking of silhouettes, how about Anemone ‘Honorine de Jobert’? The petals having fallen neatly away, we are left with perfect round balls.
Here’s a less dramatic shot of Mme Jobert. The balls are shiny and green and provide a long-lasting element for late season bouquets.
Some things are struggling to make a showing before frost hits. I don’t think ‘Henry Eilers’ is going to make it. He will be moved to a sunnier spot next spring.
Kniphofia multiflora is giving Jack Frost a run for his money. I’m pulling for him.
I’d given up on this hardy Aloe long ago, but here it is, putting in its first appearance after hiding underground for a few years. Moral of story: never give up.
I never tire of the architecture of Phlomus russeliana. I will not cut these seed bearing stalks of pom poms until spring, and the whorls of leaves will hang on through the winter.
I spy the hips of Rosa ‘Dortmund’ through the stalks of Joe Pye. Have any of you made culinary use of hips?
I leave you with a peek at the last flowers holding on: Fuchsia ‘Golden Gate’. Where once there was a profusion, only a few intrepid die-hards remain. I love this season, how about you?
Breathtaking photos Ricki! That Flying Dragon–I want to paint it and write haikus about it.
I love the purple and red combination. I saw that mix last year at the Sir Harold hillier Garden it was the first time I had come across those beautiful purple berries.
I love red and purple too…and you know how much I adore Eutrochium! I keep trying to find good spot for some Phlomis…if only the city would let me dig up part of the street 😉
Bria~You are welcome to set up your easel here anytime.
Ronnie~The photo doesn’t begin to do them justice.
Scott~Time to start working on that neighbor across the street.
Love both photos of the Anemone ‘Honorine de Jobert’…what color are the flowers?
Yay for hardy Aloes making a return, hopefully a mild winter is in store which won’t knock it back…
Loree~Single ring of pristine white petals, yellow stamens…very elegant. I can bring some of these to the next swap.
Yes! Fingers crossed for a mild winter.
My Japanese half loves Red and purple . I planted the flying dragon recently, already needs to move, didn’t give it enough space.
I love Anemones , they are a one for taking over though …
What striking shots, Ricki, especially the Poncirus (do I spy a fruit?) and the b/w image of the Anemone. I don’t love this season, but I adore the color and shape show you’ve illustrated here so well.
Linda~The anemones do spread, which is why I can generously offer to share them.
Jane~Good eye..the Poncirus has been bearing fruit for about three years now. They are luminous when green. That one has turned yellow and is about to join its brethren on the ground.
Wendy~It’s all about framing the shot to emphasize the good parts and cut out the rest.
Gorgeous autumn shots, especially the silhouettes! I love autumn, too but could live without that season that comes after. We used to make rose-hip jam with rugosa rose hips which are huge. Good jam and lots of vitamin C in rose hips. Now I mostly leave them for the birds.
I love the yellow foliage on the Poncirus trifoliata ‘Flying Dragon’ — such a cool tree. I also like the beautyberry with the Nandina, great combination. Love all the colors and shapes of fall.
Peter~My rugosas produce many flowers but only a few hips. Maybe I need to plant a few more.
Janet~Me too. Before they started to drop, the outer leaves turned flaming orange. It made for an ombered effect with the yellow, Striking!
That Aloe: Who’d a thunk? I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a mild winter. Great shots!
Grace~I think we are all having a bit of trouble typing with our crossed fingers.
Anna B~Yes. the Camille act suits the plant kingdom very well.
Hi from Dublin Ricki, I’ve just had a look at your November entry – some beautiful images. Love the silhouettes, especially of the Eupatorium, *and* the red and purple of the Nandina and Callicarp. Happy Solstice!
I love the color of beauty berries. I had a smallish shrub a few years ago but my conditions are just too harsh for it and I lost it. Actually I took it out because it just looked bad.
Erica~I like the idea of celebrating Solstice…must give that some careful consideration.