Summer is Browning

Browning Leaves

Browning Leaves © 2008

Out and about this Labor Day weekend, always seems like this is the last weekend of summer, though the calendar insists otherwise. But studying the prairie signs on this morning’s hike, everything looks very fall-ish. Seeds are turning dark and scattering, the asters are beginning to show purple, berries are ripening, and the leaves are turning a soft shade of brown.

Simply Marigolds

Marigolds

Garden Marigolds © 2008

…sweet and snappy. And filled with pure beauty. And in autumn’s brighter colors, too.

“Biscuit” Amaranth

Biscut Amaranth

“Biscuit” Amaranth © 2008

This ‘Biscuit’ Amaranth was just one of thousands of plants on display at the University of Wisconsin – West Madison Agricultural Research Station as they held their Annual Field Day. Trial fields of annuals, perennials, native grasses, vegetables and fruits were on display. Gardening tips and problem shooting were provided by the Master Gardeners of Dane County.

The gardens are open to the public every day from dawn to dusk. What a wonderful resource for area gardeners!

Balloonflowers

Balloonflowers

Balloonflowers © 2008

This softly focused flower photo seems to capture the spirit of this flower for me. Soft and beguiling. The balloonflower, named after a balloon because the unopened flower looks like a tiny inflated balloon.

I wrote a poem, kinda clutzy, last summer about this flower.

Flower Balloon

garden plants, tightly closed bud,
blues burst forth, flower as the balloon pops open
hardy
long-lived
dependable

bursting balloons make children cry
and adults scrambling to dry flowing tears

not so in the garden

this flower makes me happy
reminding me of you
hardy
long-lived
dependable

love, too, bursts forth in all its glory.

Black-Eyed Susans

Balloonflower

Black-Eyed Susans © 2008

Many things grow in the garden that were never sown there.  ~ Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia, 1732

I think Thomas Fuller made a very true observation.

Since it is raining, with some much needed rain, thought I would post some sweet Susans from my backyard garden. A touch of sunshine in these ladies, no matter how inclement the weather.