Black-Eyed Susan.
It seems fitting that after an interesting amd intense couple of days, I have to extend my thanks to a few people.
First up is Cheri, a WordPress editor, who selected my previous post about 9/11 to be Freshly Pressed. That means that my blog, for a few days, was one of the featured sites on WordPress — and the response, as you can imagine, was overwhelming.
That brings me to the other people I would like to thank. You. All of you. All 2,400+ readers and the 200+ who chose to follow this site. I cannot even begin to explain how much your comments and likes meant — and how absolutely moving your comments were. I’ve had the chance to “meet” people from all over the world, to read of their memories, and to visit other amazing blogs.
And now that the rush has fallen off, it’s time to get back into the garden. The September garden is an interesting place. Some plants are worn out and tired, while others appear to be putting on quite a show — like a fireworks finale. I’m not sure if the hint of cooler weather is rejuvenating their energy, or if they somehow know their end is near.
One thing is certain, though. All of the plants — and this gardener, as well — are ready for a chance to re-energize for the next growing season.
So, without further delay, here is a stroll through the garden and a look at the blooms from the closing days of summer.
The Dahlias are still in full bloom, almost relishing the cooler September weather.
I started Polka Dot Plants from seed this year, and the leaves now look like some psychedelic Rorschach Test.
The contrast between yellow and green on this fading Elephant Ear leaf grabbed my attention.
Pee Gee Hydrangea blooms are fading to a pale green.
A pot filled with Begonias is still going strong.
Dahlias, started from seed, are at last in full bloom — just in time for the end of the growing season.
I believe this is Obedient Plant, a late bloomer.
The Bleeding Heart Vine is a delicate favorite that I overwinter in the office. This plant is from a cutting that my grandfather rooted for me, so the plant is extra special.
Liriope, another of the garden’s late bloomers. Personally, I just like saying the name — kind of sounds like a carnival attraction.
This Geranium is a few years old. Grown from seed, I also save it each year by overwintering it in my office. When it blooms, it’s like getting reacquainted with an old friend.
In fact, I love it so much that I couldn’t resist zooming in for a close up of the hot colors —
more suitable for summer than fall.
The bees are having a field day with Autumn Joy Sedum.
And here we have the promise of spring — Muscari shoots are emerging.
Again many thanks for all of your kind words and support.
As always, Happy Gardening.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Man 
Great Pictures! I have some fall obedient plant too, love em ! Keep up the good work !
Hi Randy. I planted these years ago — and each year I do the same thing. I forget about them — and they don’t seem to mind. Thanks for the comment.
Beautiful photos! Congratulations on being ‘freshly pressed’. That was an outstanding post, and very deserving. When I saw your blog there, I felt like a privileged insider, as I was already aware of your wonderful site! Thanks!
Many thanks. Hope things are most excellent in your part of the world. 🙂
Congratulations, Kevin, on being selected as a Freshly Pressed WordPress blog. Your 9/11 post was an amazing post, beautifully written and heartfelt. It obviously inspired many others to comment and to recall how this horrific act affected so many of us, not just Americans. Bravo!
Your garden still has such colour! Enjoy the beauty of it as the nights get cooler and you can go for a garden walk without melting and sweating to death 🙂
Hi Astrid. Thanks for your kind words. As for the cooler nights, you’re not kidding. A small cold front came through last night — time to wear a sweatshirt for that evening walk. 🙂
My Autumn Joy have been popular bee stops, also — one of the only spots of color as the rest of the garden fades. Have never heard of a bleeding heart vine — I only have the plants that fade by mid-summer. Will look into it!
Bleeding Heart Vine is a heat-loving plant, but can be grown as a houseplant. Hopefully the link will answer any of your questions. Take care.
Ah, I made the mistake the article told me not to — confusing it with a member of the dicentra family! Thanks for the link.
Beautiful pictures. That Dahlia is a stunning colour.
Dahlias are among my favorites — mostly because of the vibrant colors. And after a visit to your site, I can see that you too are a Dahlia fan. Thanks for the comment.
…and nowwwwwwww….the end is nearrrrrrrr….it’s time to faceeeeeeee.
That’s it! That’s all you’re getting…or your ears will bleed!
Happy Gardening indeed xxx
Serenaded by Jane! Now that’s something to be happy about! 🙂
Love it all. Thanks so much for keeping it fresh
Many thanks. I’m glad you were able to stop by and join me on my September stroll.
Gorgeous photos! The bumblebee is stunning in his little black and gold fur coat.
Thanks Ann. I also like the beads of pollen on the fur. It’s a nice touch. 🙂
The bleeding heart vine is beautiful! And with the sentimental attachment I can see why it is very special to you. I just went back to read your 9/11 post. It is a reminder of how important family and loved ones are to us. Too often we don’t appreciate each other as we should in the bustle of everyday life. I remember wanting to be with and to hug my own children that day.
Hi Deb. 9/11 was definitely a day meant for hugging. I’m glad you were able to stop by.
Congratulations on yours being a “Freshly Pressed” blog, Kevin. Nitty Gritty Dirtman is always such a great place to visit. I enjoyed your beautiful closing days of summer blooms.
All the best! 🙂
Beth, thanks for your kind words. I hope you’re feeling better and able to get outside and enjoy your daylilies.
Hi Kevin, September in your garden is a great sight, the photos and the plants you’ve chosen to share are all fabulous! The polka dot plants are certainly pschadelic !!
And many congrats on being Freshly !
Hi Claire. Thanks for the congrats. Those plants are getting knocked about today — we’ve had strong winds ahead of a front, and we’re now under a tornado watch. Yikes!
I’m delighted that you were “freshly pressed” and it was well-deserved. The 9-11 post was tremendously moving and in a sea of others who tried to address the emotional toll, you did it superbly. I love the retrospect on summer in the garden and look forward to the inspiration you provide as we move into fall. My garden is a mess as summer extreme heat has thrown everything into the doldrums, including me, and I must begin some steps in a better direction! D
Hi Debra. I know what you mean about the doldrums. The greens look dull and dusty, which pretty much sums up how I feel as I prep for the end of one season and the start of colder weather.
Beautiful! That bleeding heart took my breath away.
Hi Char. Thanks. The bleeding heart began as a plant that I gave to my grandfather years ago. He loved it and rooted some cuttings. One of these he gave to me. Now that he’s gone, the plant is extra special.
Even better. I love my irises for the same reason.
🙂
Beautiful photos of beautiful plants, but, I have to ask, is that Polka Dot foliage for real? Incredible!
Yes, it’s real. The seeds were a mix of red, pink, and white leaves — all with their respective polka dots. They were super easy to grow and a change from the coleus that I usually plant for foliage color. Thanks for commenting. Be well.
Lovely!! The Philadelphia Dahlia Show was at Longwood Gardens last weekend… they had some truly huge blooms!! I’m going to try some of the larger cultivars next year.
Hi Victoria. Dahlias are a truly magnificent flower — and the dinner plate size is especially stunning and dramatic. Give them a shot! Thanks for commenting!
Fascinating colors, and great pictures. Thanks.
So glad you enjoyed them. Hope you are well in your part of the world.