And, So, The End is Near. . .

. Fall is upon us in full swing!  We have had a few days in the 80s, but a cold front is coming in tonight (on the coattails of Hurricane Sandy) and is promising temps in the 30s and 40s..
  
Today was the last Friday in the Garden for the season.  We are SO lucky to have the most dedicated, hard-working volunteers anyone could wish for!  They are here whether it's 100 degrees or 40 degrees, in windy, cold weather or  stifling hot days.  We have to make them stop for lunch. 

Geranium 'Caliente Orange'

 

 

Here are a couple of photos of what's left in the garden:










 
 

These geraniums are just too gorgeous to pull out today, we may try to save a few of them to use next year.

Oakleaf Hydrangea & Japanese Anemones

Japanese Anemones are one of my favorite fall-blooming flowers, but one not commonly used in our area.  Nurseries sell lots of mums and asters, but anemones are often forgotten.

This is what remains of our railroad garden.  In 2001, it was installed by the nationally-known  company, Applied Imagination, which just happens to be headquartered just a few miles down the road from us.  They have permanent displays at  The Chicago Botanic Gardens, The Belagio, in Las Vegas, and seasonal displays around the country.  We have always felt very honored to have one of their original garden railroad displays.  Unfortunately, because it is made from natural materials, time has not been nice to it.  Several of our volunteers have taken on the task of taking it apart and revamping the area.  Some of the original parts will remain (the waterfall and stream) and other parts will change.  At this time it is not feasible for us to run the trains, so the tracks, bridges and overpasses have been removed.  The tear down/cleanup will be completed this fall and new plants will be installed next spring.   It is sad to have to remove this important part of the garden, but exciting to plan and implement new ideas and plants.
We are bundling up for a cold, windy weekend!