Winter's Gray Herald

Early this morning winter made its first appearance in Nashville. It came with the cold, brisk wind that dropped the temperature 20 degrees.

But autumn color is guaranteed to continue at Clay and Limestone for a little longer~~(all photos enlarge with a click)  

The Japanese Maples in Woodland Garden have taken center stage.  

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' looks her best among the golds and yellows.


Most of the year Acer palmatum is a lovely soothing green,

but, each fall she erupts into fiery color.  Such a beautiful view of them both is offered from the porch.  We love to watch the changing fall scenes.  You can't believe how beautiful it is with the lower angle of the sun.  The maples are stunning when backlit!

'Natchez' Crape myrtle is just beginning to show her fantastic good looks.

She's a young plant, but already the bark is becoming more prominent.  There are two other Natchez in the front gardens...the fantastic bark, white flowers and fall color,  so worth  repeating.

Rusty/Viburnum rufidulum is also just beginning to
color in the shadier front garden. Isn't his form perfect. The shade slows down his color change but eventually he does get to burgundy.  We've planted five small  V rufidulums  about the yard for color continuity.  I do love Rusty!

Not wanting to be left out, another Rusty has put on his burgundy tuxedo and is dancing in the Garden of Benign Neglect ( a future post).

Finally, we have

oranges and reds in the understory and shrub layer (Witch Hazels 'Diane and Virginiana, and Japanes Maples beyond).

  

to compliment the yellows (Shagbark Hickories).

It's true, we can no longer deny that winter will soon be here. Much colder weather is predicted! A possible killing frost. I suspect it will reach its icy fingers into the south facing and protected garden and soon...

Possibly tonight,  will take out

the last of our blooming beauties...(Salvia leucanthus)

Today, there were no bees in the garden.  Not even on the  native  asters.  Not a Bumble in sight ...it is too cold for them to be out and about.  When the flowers are  gone there will be no  food for any hungry visitors.

Life in the garden will go on.  But I will miss the bumbles and other pollinators. This time I am positive  that they are gone for the season.  Well, I am pretty sure....We'll see! It is magical here!

Thanks for visiting and have a lovely day!  

Gail