Ethereal autumn

Autumn is by far my favourite time of year. 

Our (often hellishly) hot summer temperatures gradually subside to cooler nights and UV radiation levels dip low enough to allow for gardening sessions without the non-negotiable long sleeves, sunscreen and hat of summer outdoor activities.

Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Natchez' in autumn regalia

Many of my favorite perennials are in full flower frenzy, intent on making the most of the warmth before the cooler weather sets in. Plants in the tropical garden look good too. After months of balmy temperatures, they have likely forgotten they are living in a temperate climate. 

Backlit Canna 'Tropicanna'

But more than anything, the reason I like this time of year is for the glowing ethereal quality of autumnal light. The way it comes in sideways, backlighting foliage, seedpods and flower stalks, transforming the mundane into something magical.  

Begonia sp. lit up like stained glass

I attempted to capture this light during fleeting garden hobble sessions sans crutches. Nine weeks post ankle surgery and I even managed to do a bit of gardening this afternoon. Just a little dead heading and sweeping, nothing serious -the horticultural equivalent of fluffing pillows- but it sure was...fun! 

Jewel orchid Ludisia discolor foliage

Coleus 'Campfire' and Alcantarea 'Silver Plum' 









Iresine herbstii

Begonia rex 'Bewitched Lavender'

Cardboard cycad Zamia furfuracea


Illuminated teeth of tiger tooth aloe Aloe juvenna

Plectranthus sp., likely Plectranthus saccatus 'Velvet Elvis'

Comments

  1. Hoover BooApril 24, 2022 at 1:48 PM

    Yes the light of autumn is so much better than the harsh glare of summer.

    Winter even a little better with all the long shadows.

    Lovely photos!

    ReplyDelete
  2. HorticatApril 24, 2022 at 4:01 PM

    Thanks for stopping by Hoover Boo, nice to have you here.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kris PetersonMay 8, 2022 at 7:11 PM

    You've captured the light beautifully! I'm envious of that Canna, which wants a little more water than I've given it when I've tried growing it in the past. I'm always pleased by the arrival of autumn too, although it usually takes a lot longer than the calendar suggests to show up - summer usually starts early and end late here :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousMay 9, 2022 at 10:08 PM

      Thanks Kris, perhaps one option could be to grow it in a pot sitting in a saucer of water? Less watering, but it stays moist?

      Delete

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