Last Plant Standing

Monkshood - aconitum. Fall flowering perennial 3 ft. approx. Very poisonous!

The distinctive hood of the monks hood gives it its common name. This variety blooms last in the garden.  There are many varieties and some bloom in August.

Aconitum  - Monkshood

This fall flowering perennial is almost the last thing to bloom in your garden.  It is welcome to see the blue spires when all else is bronze and yellow. Be sure to plant them where you will see them from a window or you might miss their bloom if you retreat indoors when the weather changes. The only drawback is that it is virulently poisonous.  But most of us don’t munch on our plants so we are safe. When dividing wear gloves to protect yourself.  

Fall Flowers

Autumn Joy Sedum, yes it is a joy in autumn!

The leaves are beginning to change and we just need some sparkling sunshiny days like today, to have as oohing and aahing with delight at the colours.
I went to Ottawa on the weekend and it was cold!  The weekend was wet so the colours were muted and have not changed fully yet. Predominately yellow was seen. I did get some wonderful home grown cabbage,  squash, carrots, onions, beets and potatoes from my sister's garden.  The Thanksgiving meal will be delicious.

The garden changes so much this time of year, but still has its charms. A new one for me is the dahlia. I've always liked them but could never be botherd to plant the bulbs.  This time I purchased one from the garden club already planted. I didn't know what colour it was or indeed how big it would grow, but it sure is splendid!

cactus bloom dahlia

bonica rose' last blush