To everything there is a season, and our record-breaking summer is finally winding down to its end. The days are shortening, the temperatures are back in the eighties, and rain is in the forecast. Yesterday morning, when I went to the garden with my camera, I could sense the change in the atmosphere. Even though fall “officially” arrived last month, it is just beginning to make its presence felt here in north central Texas. With cooler days and new hope for rain, we are ready to plant again.
There is something special about gardening at this time of the year. Plants that have been in the ground all summer long start to get a bit unruly. Even so, it is difficult to prune them back even when they are invading another plant’s space. As I pull back a vigorous salvia and discover a smaller plumbago, I have to choose: do I lop off the salvia and punish it for being so prosperous? As much as I adore the lovely blue flowers of the plumbago, I usually side with the salvia. In the midst of heat and drought, the salvia rose above its garden companions and provided abundantly for migrating monarchs on their way to Mexico. Besides, the salvia will return next spring, while the plumbago is unlikely to survive the cold blast of winter.
Just two weeks ago, the garden was full of monarchs resting and refueling for their journey. Yesterday morning, the distinctive orange, white and black beauties were still in the garden, but in much smaller numbers. The salvia is still blooming, but the butterflies were spending most of their time on the sweet blossoms of the glossy abelia. What a joy it has been to participate in this annual migration of the monarchs by providing a place for them to regroup!
I hope you enjoy our walk in the garden today. And don’t forget to partake in the blessing of Shabbat!
Shabbat Shalom,
Pam