Aster praealtus, willow leaf aster with sleeping bumblebee. See how tightly she clings to the foliage?
Since it’s October 10, 2010, and I completely stole this idea from Carol of May Dreams Garden, here are ten things which show the seasons do change even when the weather seems to be stuck on 85F.
10. My Charlotte, who I’ve been watching spin her web and catch bugs for about a month looked sickly yesterday. This morning, she was gone. Sigh, but she left egg sacks on the gutter system. I, like Wilbur, will protect them for her.
9. The mornings are beginning later, for Brother Sun anyway. I’m still up at 6:00 a.m. Monday through Friday to get the kids to school. I only take Bear now though. The others drive themselves. St. Francis, who is said to have composed the Canticle of the Creatures, had his feast day October 4.
8. A pronounced nip in the morning air makes me grab a light sweater before my walk. By afternoon, I am peeling it off.
7. The goldenrod is in bloom with Solidago rigida, rigid goldenrod, blooming last. All help pollinators on their way south so if you have room plant some.
Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome' which I believe I ordered from Plant Delights. This is its second year in the garden.
6. The native asters and a few cultivars are doing their dance. I caught a bumblebee, above, sleeping in the arms of one of the flowers. Take a tip from my Gail of Clay and Limestone, and pet one of these creatures before they are gone.
5. Native sumac is putting a fiery red show. Living out on the country, I drive by several different types from Rhus lanceolata, prairie flameleaf sumac, to Rhus aromatica, aromatic sumac. All are beautiful and tell me the leaves on the scrub oaks and cotton woods will soon be turning orange and yellow, respectively.
4. Roses are again blooming after their summer vacation. When it’s so hot in summer, I don’t dismay about their absence. Instead, I think of them as queens traveling throughout the English countryside. I would do so if I could.
Rosa 'Dame de Coeur' is still a tiny thing. I bought her at Sunshine Nursery in Clinton, OK
3. Have you noticed the light is different? Photographs are easier to take in the fall and spring than in mid-summer at mid-day.
2. College football and high school softball are in full swing with my Sooners 5 and 0, and MSM’s softball team won the State Championship for the first time ever. This makes my heart very glad.
1. Tender perennials are enjoying their last week outdoors soaking up the sun before I bring them inside. Like Frances of Fairegarden, I’m overwintering a lot of my coleus this year. Even though they are inexpensive, I’m not always guaranteed to find the same cultivars next spring. Plus, I’ll want to buy some different ones.
What do you notice is different on 10-10-10?
Hi, Dee. I love this post because it shows what a careful observer you are of all the subtle changes in nature, beautifully described in the tiniest changes. And I particularly love the bumblebee pic. Lovely. Thank you. 🙂 xoxo
My orbweaver also departed and left her contribution to the next generation behind. I am a little curious as to whether I’ll see a swarm of tiny arachnids next spring!
Me too Cindy. I can hope for little Charlottes everywhere.
Less light to enjoy the garden when I get home from work (no light in a couple of weeks when the time changes – I hate this fact.)
We each have our personal earmarks for the transitions. There is a feeling and smell in th eair that started in September. Even though it was still so warm, the change was underway. The mists begin here, morning mists on the fields; the call of the bluejays, and all of a sudden there are no more barn swallows.
Two things I notice about the seasons changing. .first is that the colors of the flowers seem so much brighter–no doubt due to some nice cooler temps–even if they are still in the 80s!! Secondly is that I notice a feeling of pace change in my own heart! I LOVE to garden and all of the work it brings with it. .but I look forward to being able to rest, knowing that there really isn’t much that needs to be done. .if only for a couple months. .because, like everyone else, by Jan–I will be itching to get the fingernails dirty again!! Fall blessings to you!
I smiled to think of the roses on their trip through the English countryside. We had a freeze last night, 26F, so it is very obvious to me the season is changing! Our trees are all ablaze and the leaves are falling, with a few trees already bare.
Dear Dee, The cool morning make walking in the garden a joy and that’s when i see the sleeping bumbles! Thank you for the linklove! Do you think people will listen to us and gently touch a sleeping bee? I’ve noticed the light has changed~both out in the garden and inside the house. The den takes on a cozy feeling that lasts all winter~That’s a great treat. gail
I love the light in the fall. In fact, come late August I’m looking for that little perceptible change in the light. It always gives me hope I’ll make it to fall. I haven’t tried petting a bumblebee yet but will now. They’re aren’t as many around now, and for that I am sad.
Dear Dee, I love your ten things and the sweet little sleeping bee. Thanks for the linkage, my friend. And Go Sooners! 🙂
Frances
The triple tens are tripping over the net. I enjoyed your look at fall.
I was just over at Carol’s blog and thought her idea was very good. I am glad to stop in and see you borrowed it. I like your ten things as well. Little Charlotte may have to be tucking in soon I would guess even in Oklahoma. You have 85 degrees and we have 70’s in the day and are dropping down in the low 40’s at night. I had a spider on my back door screen all summer who now has moved on. I think the cooler night weather nipped her a bit.
Hi, Dee!
Was visiting Carol at May Dreams earlier this morning, saw your comment, which prompted me to pay you a visit, as well. It’s been too long. So fun to pop over here and see the blatant subject matter theft! 😉 Beautifully written, it’s inspiring me to head out the trails in search of sumac. Hope you’re having a great day.
I’ve noticed the change in the light. It makes the sky much bluer, which, sadly, has been completely blue and cloudless lately.
The biggest thing I’m noticing is just how short the days are becoming. By the time I get home from work, I have less than two hours to do anything in the garden before it is too dark. Is our gardening season of 2010 really coming to a close? It went by so fast!
Thanks for the link!