Early Autumn in My Yard

This early autumn in my yard has been a joy, as it is almost every year. Cooler temperatures and lower humidity have me finding any excuse to go outside often and at any time of day. I thought you might like to see a roundup of some photos that I’ve taken of early autumn in my yard over the last few days.

I’ll miss my yellow cherry tomatoes, even though the tomato plant never really bore enough tomatoes to make it worth planting or watering. Still, it was nice getting out of the car each summer day after a long afternoon at work, sauntering over to pluck the one or two ripened cherry tomatoes, and then popping them in my mouth to savor their sweetness.

But back to fall…I love walking out on my back deck on crisp autumn mornings while nursing a steaming mug of tea or coffee. I’m partial to my oversized Spotty Mugs that I found a few years back at a discount department store. I think this pink and gold spotted mug is chic, don’t you?

The squirrels in my hood are fat and happy this year. That’s because we’re in the midst of a bountiful acorn bumper crop this year. My house is surrounded by huge oak trees, and it took awhile for me to get used to hearing the heavy nuts rain down on the roof and the deck. I’m sure there are thousands of these acorns in my yard right now. And it can be tricky to walk directly under the oaks…not only is it like walking on marbles, but you can get hit in the head!

This past spring and summer, I left one area of my yard, close to some front shrubs, untouched by the lawn mower and weed eater, and I was so pleased to see the return of some forgotten ferns, originally planted by the previous owner of my house over twenty years ago. These ferns were tiny at first, but I kept them well watered over the hot summer. Now, with the cooler temperatures of early autumn in my yard, the ferns have flourished. You might remember an earlier post in which I mentioned the benefits of not mowing…I guess this is another example!

Early fall in my yard always means hanging up my reliable autumn wreath on my front door….I put together this wreath about 15 years ago with easy-to-find craft supplies purchased from a Michael’s store, and it’s still “hanging” in there–ha!

So are some of my summer flowers, even though it’s almost November! That’s a coleus plant in the back of this planter on my front drive. Check out those freaky but cool-looking spikey purple flowers coming out the top. The vinca flowers in the front of the planter grew waaay bigger than I expected. And there’s a dracaena spike plant in there also, which I think adds some textural variety and interest.

Of course, early autumn in my yard would not be complete without my dear and sweet old Daisy keeping watch in the leaf-strewn grass.

And the secret to those autumn leaves seemingly suspended in mid-air? Spider webs! Ah, the beauty and magic of early autumn in my yard! I hope you’ll get outside and look for some loveliness in your yard or garden too!

–G

This week I am linking up with Dream Create Inspire Link @Simple Nature Decor Thriving on Thursdays Linky Party @Domesblissity Linky Party Palooza@I Heart Nap Time DIY and Recipes Party @The 36th Avenue Clever Chicks Blog Hop @The Chicken Chick Worthwhile Wednesday @Crafty Allie Friday Favorites @ Life in Leggings What’s Cookin’ Wednesday @Buns in my Oven MMM @Healthy Diva Life Totally Terrific Tuesday @ Live Randomly Simple The Wednesday Round Up @ Love, Pasta and a Toolbelt Create & Share DIY and Recipe Party @ Designs by Miss Mandee Fabulous Party @Lou Lou Girls Sunday Linky @The Lazy Gastronome Over the Moon Link Party @Marilyn’s Treats Foodie FriDIY@A Dish of Daily Life Funtastic Friday @Olives & Okra Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop @Katherines Corner Party Time! @ Live Laugh Rowe