The Grass Is Always Greener

I know that I have said it before. .but I think the best thing about gardening is the ever-changing scenery!! I think the flower colors this time of year just pop with color!! I am still seeing monarchs floating through the yard daily.  This guy I caught nipping off the maximillan sunflowers to boost his energy for the trip!

Here's another picture of our roadrunning visitor.  He perched on top of my decorative birdhouse--don't believe that he will be able to come go in for coffee though!

The grasses are now rustling in the wind.  Their feathery seed heads waving gracefully above the foliage.  This particular grass is karly rose.  I haven't been disappointed with her.  This is probably her mature size, and her deep pink/purple seed heads add some seasonal color.

This varigated grass gets about 4-5 feet tall, with seed heads rising above that.  I have transplanted this variety to several locations throughout my landscape.  Too bad I have no idea what to call it!  It adds winter interest as well. 

Here's a spot of maiden grass.  I suspect that next year will be the year to really see how this little one performs.  It seems to have a pink head too.  You also will see some maximillin sunflowers in the foreground.  These little jewels like our environment here and grow like. .well. .weeds :-)  They were taking over in front of my deck, so I transplanted some to my large flower beds.  It will be alright for them to grow wild there (I think).  I transplanted them in late May or early June.  I am just astounded that they actually bloomed!  They make such a big splash of color!

The fun thing about these sunflowers is that they bloom up the entire stalk before they are done for the season.  I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed in the contrast between this flower and the little blue spruce behind it.

The mums are taking off.  The burgundy ones are a little slow this year it seems.  But the burnt orange, purple, and yellow ones are right on time.  These get my attention daily as I look out my kitchen window across the pond.

The grass only looks greener on the other side. .until you actually get over there!! I promise that if you wandered through my gardens you would find plenty of weeds, dead plants, and other problem spots. .the benefits of having my own blog is that I can edit. .and show you what I want you to see (and provide myself with memories of the good stuff--and not the eyesores)  Look around your neighborhood.  See how bright the colors are, watch how the animals (and humans) scurry around preparing for winter, enjoy the last of the flying beauties before they soon become a memory until next year. 'Tis the season to be thankful!