Regardless of how hot it is, all you have to do is walk outside and you know it is fall. It just smells like fall. And the biggest sign of fall around here is all the tiny honey locust leaves we find all over our house. They are so easy to “carry in”. This morning at breakfast we watched them rain down out our window. They are everywhere now.
While I am in the midst of fall work which includes moving roses, adding roses, dividing perennials and in general making a big mess, there is still beauty to see.
One of the most beautiful sights in the garden right now is Proven Winners Midnight Blue Caryopteris (Bluebeard).
If you don’t have this shrub and you are in Zones 5-9, treat yourself to one or two or more. I now have 4 and may add two more next year. These late summer blooming machines are outstanding! Link to more information here.
I am not the only one around here who loves them. The pollinators can’t leave them alone.


DAHLIAS
The dahlias are putting on a show!






COSMOS
Loving this new (to me) cosmos, Psyche White from Floret.
They are soooooo pretty! Floret is showing sold out right now but that might change. It looks like it is still available from Select Seeds here. I’ll definitely be saving seeds from this one.
STAR OF THE WEEK:
Desdemona! This David Austin beauty thinks it’s spring.
This pollinator is loving her too!
ROSE CHAT PODCAST
We have a new series starting in October – WINTER ROSE TALES. In this series you will hear from rose growers around the country. They will tell us about their gardens and the roses they grow plus share what they do to care for their roses in the winter. I think you will find all of them fascinating and fun.
In the meantime you can catch up on other recently released show here…

NEW PLANTS FOR 2023 – Rose Chat Podcast
The latest podcast is an update from Star Roses and Plants where they talk about new roses and new garden trends.

I’m doing some traveling this weekend to attend the Colonial District Picnic and talk about English Cottage Gardens. So excited to see many old friends and meet new ones!
Until next time, happy gardening.