It is a recurrent problem, the same every year. I can’t solve the inordinate time it takes to accustom myself to the concept of autumn. Winter – no problem, spring – a joy, summer – luxurious; but autumn brings me nothing but impending doom. After a few weeks of moroseness I give myself a stern talking to and I get over it. Until the following year when it happens all over again. You will be pleased to hear that I have reached the “getting over it” stage. There is nothing like a bit of Six on Saturday-ing to lift your spirits and if you are not convinced by my contribution then I’m sure our leader Jim at Garden Ruminations will set you on the right track. Be warned, I might not get into jolly mode straight away, baby steps.
The cosmos have been slow to flower this year but have made up for it in these last few weeks. This one has been on the floor at least six times and OH has dutifully hoiked it back up again. Storm Benjamin was one gale too many and it has now snapped at the base. It is certainly doomed. I will pick it over for seed before I compost it. Perhaps it has shed its progeny already and next year we will have a crop of cosmos in the lawn. Could be interesting!
Welsh Ann gave me a piece of Salvia ‘Amistad’ earlier in the year and it has been very happy in its allotted terracotta pot. Now, should I protect it for winter or not? A tricky question. Probably, I should, to be on the safe side. I think I am going to need a greenhouse extension.
This Cautleya spicata is having second wind, producing a late and most welcome bloom. It wasn’t very happy with the dry weather earlier in the year and gave a rather half-hearted floral display. You can’t blame it really. We live in challenging times.
Definitely on its way to shelter in the greenhouse is the Tibouchina urvilleana. Before its incarceration for the colder months, it is showing some very pretty autumnal colours.
Very late to the party is Salvia leucantha and for my sins I can’t remember which one it is. I will pretend that its full name is of no consequence to me and that its beauty is all that matters, but in reality I’m a bit miffed I lost the label.
Impatiens tinctoria was one of the chosen few that were given extra water over the dry spell. It has rewarded me by flowering well and, although a little laxer than it should be, has done me proud. I have a cutting that I will over winter in my Tardis greenhouse.
There we have it. I feel much better now. Except the greenhouse bit. I am not sure how everything is going to fit ……
Off The Edge Gardening 
Hi Gill, with autumn, it’s all about getting past the gloom. Seeing the good things and bouncing back while waiting for… spring!
You’ve shown us some beautiful things again this week, and the last 3 are my favourites.
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Thanks Fred, I think this year summer stopped very suddenly and it was even more of a shock to the system.
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The utter impossibility of getting everything back into glasshouses in autumn is the biggest downer in our garden too. We move loads out and by the time they need to go back the ones still inside have grown to fill the space. The vanishingly rare new purchases (OK, I lie), don’t help.
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I’m glad I’m not alone, but to be honest I doubted that I would be. I’m sure if I had a bigger greenhouse I would just use it as an excuse to get even more delicate little beauties. There is no hope for some of us!
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Same here, It feels too long to wait for Spring.
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As long as it’s not grey and wet I don’t mind Autumn. It’s a cooling off period after the heat of summer and gives us a chance to unwind towards winter.
Love you selection today, Cautleya spicata is a new one for me.
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So lovely–all of them! Your description of transitioning to autumn is spot on for how I feel…impending doom, indeed. Well said! I must say, however, that this particular autumn may well be the one I’ve enjoyed the most in my life, for many reasons, including… the weather was more mild, we’d had plenty of rain leading up to it with just a touch during it, and the foliage has been stunning. This is a beautiful post, with so many lovelies blooming in your garden. That Cautleya spicata is enchanting!
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Goodness, have you been gone for quite a while, or have I just been neglecting your posts?
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Cautleya spicata looks . . . compelling. I am completely unfamiliar with it. I thought it looked familiar, but no. (I googled the name.)
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Okay, I’ve deployed my day job archivist skills and looked through some of your past SoSs. Could the Salvia be ‘Purple Velvet’ (if it came with you to your new garden)? https://offtheedgegardening.com/2022/11/12/six-on-saturday-most-things-come-to-those-who-wait/ I know what you mean about Autumn. I think I associate it with going back to school which doesn’t help. A lovely selection.
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I don’t mind autumn, but I dread the clocks going back tomorrow so it’s going to be getting dark at 17:30. My tender plants have to come into the conservatory, mostly to protect from rain rather than cold. I am though cutting back on tender plants. And some will have to take their chances outside. You have a lovely selection though and I am very taken with the impatiens.
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