As these cool days and even cooler nights are quickly approaching we have been cutting back some of the Purple Cone flowers, as well as the spent blooms of Anise Hyssop and the annual Black Eyed Susans. Although we usually leave many of these seed producers standing this year we had a bumper crop and if I didn't eliminate some of them next year we would have more than we needed.
The gardens have gone from a blur of gold to white. Yes, we have White Asters everywhere, the Japanese Anemones are finally putting on their show and the Heptacodium is a gorgoeus shade of pink. It is refreshing to see these non- fall colors in the garden. The leaves are changing in the woods so we have a myriad of colors - great for picture taking.
The Butterfly House is being erected
Last month I mentioned we will have a new addition next year, well when you come this weekend you will get a glimpse of the new structure. We are hoping it will be up, but obviously not planted, by Garlic Thyme.
We have identified over 30 varieties of butterflies and moths in our present gardens and I am busy sketching the garden beds of host and nectar plants for the new house. Lots to do and I am anxious to get started.
We are so excited and I will update you through the newsletter and on the website while we are closed over the winter. Remember we close for the season on Oct 11, except for a few classes in Nov. and Dec.
Check the web as we post dates for our wreath classes for the holidays
Thanks for a great season
As we wind down over the next couple of weeks Gregg and I thank you for your support this year and hope you will plan to visit the gardens, if not in the next few weeks, then next spring when we reopen. Remember our products will still be available on the web and for those of you who are local, at the Rural Retreat Winery.
