The scenic route

I've always believed in taking the road less traveled, but lately I've been thinking of it as the scenic route, because that sounds like you'd meet a lot more plants. Plus, I'm way behind on everything lately and that sounds like a good excuse--I've been taking the scenic route!

Plus, the scenic route ties into the idea of focusing on the here and now (thank you, Cheryl!), not dwelling in the past or fidgeting about the future. And I like to take in what's here and now, savor it, appreciate it. For example, this is the only one of my three 'Spitfires' still blooming. I'd rather focus on it than the ones that died. Look how intense the color is and how the foliage looks like little lily pads!

And bless its heart, it's still budding!

And as long as we're standing together in my fall garden, check out my beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). Its berries are more striking than normal this year.

Is there any question how it got its name?!

My rogue queen of the prairie (Filipendula rubra) should have bloomed in early July, but it also took the scenic route. Eggplant 'Black Beauty' is still kickin' it and cheering Fili on.

Let's cross the street to my kitty-corner neighbors' house (hi, Jim & Nancy!). Do you see something special in their huge, gorgeous red maple?

Now you do! If I'd been driving by too fast, I wouldn't have seen it.

My tomatoes are done, and I've been collecting seeds. I left these 'Tiger-Like' (which are soooooo good!) soaking too long and they sprouted in the water! And turned fuzzy, noogie! So while the seeds are no longer good for saving and planting later, I decided to sow the sprouted ones indoors now and see what happens. Maybe I'll have tomatoes in February! I love longitudinal research (the scenic route!).


I'm growing Nasturtium 'Spitfire' for the GROW project. Thanks to Renee's Garden for the seeds.