This morning Fall arrived in Madison, the Fall we've all been waiting for. The sky was clear, the temperatures mild — a perfect day to get started on those autumn chores we had been avoiding during the wet, grey, cold recent weeks.
We threw together a quick lunch . . .
. . . gathered our tools and headed outdoors with every good intention.
Late on the night of the first hard freeze, I had gone out in the yard with a flashlight to empty any standing water from our garden pots. I thought today would be a good tome to finish the job of storing them for the winter.
But, under the overturned waterlily pot, I found this branch of from the nearby purple Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria).
"I should probably get a shot of that," I told Linda and headed back inside for the camera.
She had started cutting back the toadlilies (Tricyrtus sp.). I made her stop while I took this shot of the wilted leaves and dead blossoms.
There was one survivor — taunting us with what might have been in a milder autumn.
I also noticed a very few leaves still clinging to the weeping Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), as well as the distinct aroma of cotton candy as I set my tripod among the fallen leaves.
The sight of hoses in disarray, waiting to be moved to the safety of the garage, didn't distract me long from the drama of the maples.
My sense of responsibility was briefly awakened by the sight of the leaning retaining wall that I promised Linda I would rebuild this year.
It wasn't my fault that she called me over to see the first emerging blossoms of the witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). I headed into the house for the macro lens.
And while I had it out, I thought I might as well grab a few tight shots of those maple leaves.
The Gingko never had a chance to color up this year before the frost, but the few remaining leaves clinging to the tree are pretty dramatic.
And what do you know — another survivor!
But speaking of surviving, we really should untangle the wire rabbit-proof fencing before it gets much later.
But before I do that, I'll see if I can get a good angle on the locust pods hanging by the tea house. That limb needs to come down, so it may be my last chance.
While I'm up here I can probably make one good picture from the sickly Amelanchior. I doubt that it's going to survive another year. What a shame; the leaves are really lovely.
Oh heck, look at the time!. I think I can still get one more shot of the Stewartia before I have to go to work.
Tomorrow I'll get started on the wall.
Those are some awesome shots, particularly the Maples. I am sorry the Toad Lilies did not all make it.
Posted by: Les | Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 07:40 PM
Yes, isn't it funny how such distractions can make the day pass without any work getting done? I'm glad you enjoyed the day though. Those chores can wait a little longer.
Posted by: Pam/Digging | Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 10:13 PM
I did manage to get a little something done while he indulged in the "foolishness"!
Posted by: LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD | Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 10:29 PM
I loved this. It's so true and amazing how quickly we can be led astray. Usually it's the housework I get to abandon when I go outside with my first cup of coffee "just to look around" at the yard. Happy Fall!
Posted by: Barbara H. | Monday, October 19, 2009 at 06:18 AM
This is why work never gets done in my garden... if I could only get my husband and/or kids interested in the chore-y part, so that I could continue with the "foolishness".
Posted by: Helen at Toronto Gardens | Monday, October 19, 2009 at 08:12 AM
Maybe this is "the work": being present in the moment.
Love your voice, your humor and your eye!
Posted by: Julie Siegel | Monday, October 19, 2009 at 09:11 AM
HE SAID: As always, Julie gets it!
Posted by: LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD | Monday, October 19, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Ha, ha! I will remind my "He Said" of this. Of course that won't affect the limit on his one annual garden chore. Maybe I should ask him to switch to photographing it since, like you, he is gifted with a lens.
Posted by: Julie Siegel | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 07:28 AM
Another stunning post Linda. You really should write a gardening book. Love the last toad lily.
Posted by: Nicola | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 01:45 PM
I felt exactly the same way Sunday, but of course I didn't work nearly as hard as you all. It was lovely, but I fear we will have few more days like that. Hope I'm wrong.
Posted by: Eliz | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 03:07 PM
Hope you are wrong, Elizabeth. We need lots more nice days to get this garden in shape for winter. Your garden is smaller but I'm sure there is always more to do as well!
Posted by: LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 06:55 PM
The color of the Stewartia is outstanding!
Posted by: Sweet Bay | Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 09:44 PM