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
Deb Burns, Cambridge, England and Ireland

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.