Summer still holds sway in Austin, but the light is mellower. The garden is turning toward fall.

Bumblebees are feverishly collecting pollen from the volunteer mulleins that seeded into the gravel patio.

In back, plumbago is the only thing in full bloom. It took me years to come around to liking plumbago, and I’m glad I relented. It’s one of the few flowering plants in my garden that looks happy at the end of a long, hot summer.

Mostly the garden is just shades of green (which is something), and a little wilty, waiting for the first breath of true fall. Color in my dry-shade garden comes from garden art and paint at this time of year.

But inside, fall is here. I’m trying to manifest fall outdoors. Are you trying too or hanging onto summer by your fingernails?

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Digging Deeper

Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. Season 8 kicks off in fall 2024. Stay tuned for more info!

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