In the final Bloom Day post of the year, Storey staffers and friends share autumn scenes from their yards and gardens.
October gardens in our part of the country are a mix of determined plants that flourish in dwindling daylight and cooler temperatures, and fading flowers, shriveled and darkened. The fall season means that some of us are already thinking of spring. We’re busy planting garlic and bulbs that we won’t see until we get to the other side of winter — and that’s if we’re lucky. There’s no guarantee that the forces of nature will conspire to give us the right set of circumstances. What an act of faith, to put something in the ground! I know, I know. This is obvious to anyone who has ever gardened. But this month, in this year filled with weather and fires devastating to people, animals, and the earth in so many corners of our country, I’m feeling especially aware of how lucky we are to be able to think about the future and lay the foundation for it, all the while surrounded by fall’s grand finale. Until next spring! What’s blooming where you are? — Emily Spiegelman, Digital Features Editor
Regina Velázquez, Williamstown, Massachusetts
My mini meadow is in its last days, but the Black-eyes Susans are still in bloom.
The last cosmos grew taller than my daughter.
Deb Burns, Cambridge, England and Ireland
A beautiful mixed border on the Cambridge University campus.
Fuchsias on a wall at Cambridge University.
My daughter enjoying the roses and mint planted around the Cambridge University lawns.
In Ireland, our cousin built this replica of his grandfather’s house in back of his own house. In October it’s surrounded by blooming heathers and heaths and pansies.
Carleen Madigan, Loon Lake, New York
Frost-clad calendula
The petunias keep cranking.
Michal Lumsden, Plainfield, Massachusetts
Sedum and bumble bee
Helenium
The last sunflower.
Heather Tietgens, Stamford, Vermont
Centaurea Montana
Black-eyed Susan vine
Debbie Surdam, Hoosick, New York
Mums
The bees are loving my cosmos!
Rosebud
Fall color
Sarah Armour, North Adams, Massachusetts
Nope, not blooms, but carved pumpkins have been popping up all over. The big one (mine) was a stencil. The scared little guy with his hair standing straight up into the air came from my much more artistically talented sister.
