Fall was slow to arrive this year. Autumn rainfall has been tardy too, just a smattering here and there. But there’s plenty to be thankful for in the garden, as always. I’m grateful for cooler, yet frost-free temps and the fullness of the autumn garden. Hooray for the charismatic live oaks that shelter it too.

Let’s amble around for a closer look.

On the front porch, a ‘Bloodspot’ mangave has sent up a late bloom spike. The flowers are slow to open now that temps are cooler. I’m waiting to see if it can manage it before the first freeze, which typically comes in early December.

I always bring this planter into the garage when it dips below freezing, but mangaves typically decline after flowering anyway. Go, mangave, go!

The rut continues, which means I see male deer in the garden nearly every day, as well as evidence of their antler-rubbing against yuccas, agaves, palmettos, and young trees — whatever they can get at. I’ve put tall rebar stakes around my most vulnerable plants, and it’s helped. There’s much less damage this year compared to last.

A few doors down, the ladies were congregating.

The does act skittish with the bucks on their heels. On early evening walks, I’m practically dodging deer as they dash across the street, a buck trotting after.

Back at home, in the fenced backyard, all that madness is left behind. The squid agave in the fluted pot is queen of her domain, with a retinue of red flowers (firecracker fern) at her feet.

Last week the forsythia sage started blooming, its butter-yellow flower spikes lighting up the shade.

‘Little Grapes’ gomphrena has joined the party too, and the bees are happy about it.

It’s such a sweet flower at the end of the growing season.

Chile pequin adds color too with its fiery red peppers.

Ghost plant spills over the edge of a squid agave’s yellow pot. Its putty-gray foliage tinged with turquoise resembles an exotic flower.

On the deck rail, a Gulf fritillary caterpillar is beginning to pupate. It better hurry up if it’s going to become a butterfly and head south before a freeze.

As for me, I’m hanging out on the porch with an autumn bouquet of garlic chive seedheads. I hope you’re finding moments of peace and gratitude too. Happy Thanksgiving, y’all.

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Digging Deeper

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