It may be nearing the end of October, but spots in my garden still bloom like July. I’m so grateful for these bright, lush spots of color. Those I’ve had to cut back—the Susies, the purple coneflowers, cardinal flowers and so on did their job beautifully. I look forward to seeing them again next year.
I spent a week in NY with family and friends, and before I left harvested my herbs. Don’t want to leave it too late. The little bit of basil I left for if/when I wanted fresh has grown. I snipped and chopped some last night for a potato dish. Mmm, fresh basil.
Had a great time in the city with gorgeous weather, and much Christmas shopping checked off. We had our annual visit to the Central Park Zoo where the sea lions put on a delightful show. I think Griffin, Jason and I ranked the sea lions and penguins at the top. So much fun. For the first time, no stroller, so the boy walked from the hotel to the zoo. That’s a serious walk, and so’s the walk back.
Griffin didn’t care much for the Aviary where I had a peacock fly so close, I felt it brush the side of my head. I found that cool, the boy, not so much.
Hit all my sweet spots, ice cream at Seredipity uptown, pizza at Lombardi’s downtown, a show on Broadway. I’d never seen Chicago in the theater, and it sure didn’t disappoint.
Back home again, back to work, and a lot of sorting through purchases to start organizing gifts. As usual this time of year, my One More Room looks like a department store stock room. I’m fine with that.
I also brought home a vicious cold, but finally, that’s over!
After a bit of a dip, the temperature rallied, so I’ve had some working walks in the garden.
A couple weeks ago, when searching for the poop shovel needed when one or both of the dogs decides the pavers will do, I discovered impatiens from last year had decided to somehow grow, thrive in the window well. I don’t know how as there’s no soil in there, but they’re delightful. It must be the year for it, as more have decided to grow at the base of a garden wall.
I find these little surprise treasures.
It won’t be much longer before the first frost comes, but until then I’m going to enjoy.
Nora
Nothing is better than New York City pizza!
You have a beautiful garden – thanks for sharing.
Glad you are over your cold.
You have an absolutely gorgeous garden! My Dad had impatiens that seem to just grow and bloom forever. The picture of the blue bird is beautiful. Do you know what bird it is? Griffin’s outfit is wonderfully colorful. The photo with him in front of the bear is priceless. Sorry about the vicious cold, (hate colds), but happy you’re over it. Thank you for sharing.
I was also curious about the bird, and Google had an answer: The bird in the image is a Victoria crowned pigeon (Goura victoria), which is the largest living species of pigeon.
New fact for the day, with a lovely crown!
Thank you! I love learning new things!
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful wanders and your backyard flowers.
You are one of my top three authors and I was thrilled when I stumbled across this newsletter/blog.
Laura, thanks to you as well.
I look forward to the next one.
Sincerely,
Rose B
Saskatchewan, Canada
Amazing beautiful wonderful garden. It’s easy to see all the hard work and love that went into it. Thanks for the walk. Happy that your nasty cold is a thing of the past.
And very much looking forward to 11/18 and The Seven Rings.
And glad that NYC was so rewarding for you family and friends.
The yard looks wonderful…bless the Impatiens for finding their Happy Place!
I LOVE the choreography in Chicago…remind me to rouge my knees later today!
Hurrah for Griffin and the hike to the Zoo!
Glad you are feeling better.
Your New York trip sounded wonderful. So productive! I always get a lesson when you survey your garden! I never know the names. Your variety is amazing!
Your flower gardens are so beautiful. Love the window well inpatients. Another fun trip to New York. Play Chicago a favorite of mine too. Also fun to hear about your adventures. Thanks.
Your garden is amazing. I hope to visit NY someday. I’ve been through the airport going to and from Germany.
Thank you, Nora, the gardens are lovely! Our hibiscus are still blooming. So much that we just put potted mums near them!
Your flowers are awesome. Love love seeing them. I know that you are enjoying them.
Beautiful flowers, I brought all mine back from camp as they were still so beautiful. I’ve enjoyed them so much.
I enjoyed reading that made me smile
And the flowers it is so colourful and beautiful really happy for you that you have that to enjoy
Thanks for sharing Nora
Thank you so much for sharing the beauty of your garden. Live the swell ofush colour.
And your trip to NY sounds a real treat for all.
So glad you had a wonderful time in New York with family and friends, and that your surprise Impatiens came up! Beautiful!
Looking at a frost coming Thursday night; first serious one this year & it’s late October. So strange to be able to wait so late in the fall. But going to move all the tender plants inside today; the ones that winter over & bloom the whole time; mostly geraniums, plus large pots of spider/airplane plants. I’ve never managed to do well with begonias inside; always develop bugs & quit blooming. So those will be hitting the compost heap, as will the coleus and sweet potato vines. The potted hostas that make the front porch look so lush all summer will house in the garage, tucked in with lots of old bedding, and come out fine next spring.
I love seeing all the plants you have blooming still, so many impatiens, plus I think I saw some nasturtiums that you can use for a salad along with some of the fresh basil! Wonderful! And yes, the impatiens did give you some great surprises this year. Lovely! Enjoy all your working walks! And thank you for sharing your gardens with us! So much fun!
Whoops, got caught up in the gardening stuff, but meant to also say how big Griffin has gotten! Always a surprise, and yes, walking a long way, plus doing the zoo. Quite a big fella now! It’s all those chasing/running games with Grandma as he was growing all these years! And I am counting the days till Seven Rings releases. I think I can quote the 1st two books, I’ve reread them so many times! Love them. Currently rereading Sign of Seven trilogy; after all Halloween is getting near. I think I’ll have 2 series to read near Halloween now! Thank you, and glad you’re over the nasty cold! Enjoy sorting all the Christmas shopping!
Beautiful garden. I wish my nasturtiums had grown that well.
A trip to NYC, what fun! Thanks for sharing pix of your garden, it’s lovely. Thanks also for the wonderful hours spent reading your books. They are always my best reading treats.