Warm Autumn

It is believed that in our Northern latitudes summer ends when the school year begins, on September 1st. And according to the astronomical calendar, the day of the autumnal equinox is considered the beginning of autumn, that is September 23rd. 

It seems that autumn here began to adhere to the astronomical calendar. I can imagine how students want the start of the school year to be later than now.

What is growing, ripening and blooming in my garden these warm fall days? Here they are.

The autumn look give special flowers such as Sedum, Ligularia, Erodion, Nasturtium.

Viburnum red berries are ripening. Green apples are still hanging on the  tree. They are hard and still sour because it is a late autumn variety 'Antonovka'.

Gooseberry berries hang down to the ground. They are ripe for a long time, I do not like to collect them - the bushes are prickly. 

Blue plums are delicious, I usually freeze them for the winter and make jam.

No one collects Actinidia berries (small kiwi), although they are very soft and juicy. Birds love them.

The last peppers and tomatoes ripen in the greenhouse. I made 'lecho' from peppers and ketchup from tomatoes and froze some for the winter.

 

 

 

This summer, the plums on the tree near the house ripen late, many bad berries fall into the grass. It's a pity, because I like these plums very much. 

The lettuce is still pleasing, it is juicy and crispy.

I finish my story with a photo of Austin rose, which decided to extend the summer and opens new buds.

I wish you warm autumn and delicious fruits.

Cosmea

I love Cosmea  and would like to tell you about it in my garden. Cosmea or Сosmos bipinnatus is herbaceous annual plant, 80-150 cm tall. The leaves give the whole plant an openwork appearance. It blooms profusely from mid-June to September.
 

 

Seeds ripen well, remain viable for 3-5 years. Gives abundant self-seeding. In culture since 1799. 

Some gardeners believe that cosmea does not look refined enough - it has too large inflorescences that are too bright, flashy in color. Now varieties with small inflorescences and more modest colors have appeared, so the plant can be selected for every taste. 

Those who like lush, intense flowering have appreciated cosmea for a very long time. Cosmea is good to plant in the background of the border. 

 

The background formed by its finely dissected feathery leaves and numerous inflorescences looks very informal.

 I took these photos at the end of August, and the cosmos is still blooming, decorating flower beds where other flowers have faded. Do you grow cosmea in your garden?

Here are birds that live near my garden, I painted watercolors:

My watercolors: