The Golden Glow of Early Fall

Fall has come, at last! Temps have dropped about thirty degrees, and some life-sustaining rain is making me and my plants happy. Overnight, plants perked up, and a few leaves are beginning to show fall colors. Last week I watched as autumn's mellow sunshine filtered through the woodlands, layering buttery tints amidst the leaves. I inhaled lungfuls of cool air, so refreshing after September's long breath of hell. 

Here are some of my trees. Early fall is still green, but these trees know summer is over!

Fallen leaves are beginning to cover our moss paths. We go from watering daily to daily raking!

The heart-shaped leaves of this Redbud tree (Cercis canadensis) are just beginning to reveal their golden autumn colors:

Foliage generally appears brighter and healthier since the arrival of cooler weather:Clockwise from top left: Deodar cedar 'Feelin' Blue'; Eastern Dogwood (Cornus Florida); Coniogramme emeiensis 'Golden Zebra' fern; Edgeworthia chrysantha, commonly called paperbush; Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora); Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior).

Here is one leafy view from my patio. The weeping tree on the left is a dwarf lace-leaf Japanese maple:

This old cast iron birdbath is a favorite with owls and other large birds:

Here are a few more garden ornaments, which don't depend on the weather to look good!

That leads me to something new! There is an area (approximately 10' x 10') in the woodland garden in which even weeds refuse to grow. I once attempted to put my shovel into the soil there and it bounced back with a loud clunk. A pick-ax did no better. Dynamite was the next step, but I decided to cover it with pine straw instead. Later I added a small potted Japanese maple. That was an improvement, but the space needed more. I recently put in a couple of colorful pots. I may or may not plant something in them. So here is my new woodland "pot garden". The gazing ball is located in an adjacent space that is covered with vinca minor and has no problem growing weeds:

My New, Very Old Birdbath

Last year Lou cleared some small dead trees out of the natural area in the center of the woodland garden, and suddenly the area appeared a bit bare. I mulled over the idea of a piece of sculpture, but it would have to be something that would fit into the rustic setting. 

Last week I came across a large "vintage estate, pedestal birdbath." I did not need another birdbath, but it was the right size and price. I had ideas on how to make it work. After I hauled it home in the back of the car, my husband complained bitterly about its weight as he was wrestling it into place. I promised him he would love it. 

It is a distinctive birdbath with at least a half century of patina. As I said, I wanted a piece of sculpture more than a birdbath. So I filled the bowl with soil and covered that with moss from my garden. Then I placed a crystal gazing ball in the center. I put some violas around the ball for instant gratification, though this spring I plan to replace them with something else with tiny flowers. I am not sure yet what will work with moss in this shady area. I will do some research.

It fits well into the wooded surroundings, but I think I will need to clear out weeds that may detract from it.
I am looking forward to spring when everything turns green and the vinca ground cover around it blooms. Lou does love it, though I had to assure him I will not be calling up any spirits of the dead with the crystal ball!