The Fall Garden

Fall in Minnesota is known for warm days, cool nights, changing leaves that color the landscape with golds, oranges, reds, and greens, trips to local apple orchards, crackling bonfires, comfortable hoodies and jeans, and mugs of hot apple cider. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? It is, but this time period goes by so quickly. Within a few short weeks, the trees will be empty of their leaves, heavy frosts will put the fall garden to bed, and the sun will no longer be strong enough to heat the cold winds blowing from the north. Fall is bittersweet – it is fleeting. Before we know it, we will be thrown into our six months of winter (not the three months that our calendars indicate).

Fall Garden

As I sit by my computer, staring out the window, I see the gold-colored leaves that are delicately edged with pops of red, rustling in the cool October breeze. They continue to fall, blanketing the perennials beneath the temporary canopy that will be gone within a week. Birds are darting in and out of the tree looking for insects…

Blue-Headed Vireo Migrating
Blue-headed vireo migrating through MN and looking for insects to eat

and hunting in the gardens for seeds.

Junco Under Hydrangea
Dark-eyed junco searching for food under the Endless Summer hydrangea

The fall-blooming perennials are alive with blooms of all shapes and colors

as the painted lady suns herself on the New England aster.

Painted Lady

I enjoy all that fall has to offer, even if it is foreshadowing what is to come. Even if I do so with a little bit of sadness.

The Fall Garden

A Painted Lady among phlox.
Yellow mums, vibrant under the weakening rays of a fall sun,
The warm smells of crispy leaves and hydrangea flowers.
Fleeting pleasures.
The garden is tired,
It is struggling through frosty nights,
Weary after a season of blooms, perfumes, and exotic shows.
Lethargic bumble bees creep slowly up faded flowers
Determined to eat their last meal.
Frost crystals on leaves sparkle like millions of diamonds
Deceiving the observer.
Death disguised as beauty.
Petals fall.
Leaves wilt.
Stems break.
Only the little faces of the New England aster are alert and knowing.
Only the butterfly fluttering among phlox
Realizes that she won’t migrate on time.
Her time is also fleeting.
Then you arrive,
And you are lethargic like the bumblebee,
And your beauty is fleeting like the flowers.
Like the butterfly,
You know you can’t make the migration.
But your roots run deep.
Even though the soft, white snow will cover everything
Sending the fall garden into a long winters sleep,
Buds on branches promise the return of life.
The roses will bloom again,
And the Stargazer lilies will drench the air with their perfume,
And I will think of you.

Bee on Lavender

 

 

44 Replies to “The Fall Garden”

  1. Oh, Erin. My first thought as I read this is that you live in some fairyland filled with more beauty than most people can conjure in their wildest imaginations. Or perhaps it’s your skill as a photographer and observer that brings the beauty into focus for the rest of us? Either way–wow.
    And second– you MUST find someplace to submit that poem to. It is worthy of inclusion in a poetry collection. Send it in. Please. Other people deserve to read it. It gave me goosebumps.

    1. Wow, thank you so very much, Angela! Your words have truly brought me happiness today. You have a true gift. Thank you! As far as the post goes, I’m so happy you found some beauty in it. I have been a gardener for over 20 years now, so I’ve spent many, many hours observing and experiencing the changes throughout each growing season. I think this is why spring is my favorite season. Bright green shoots pop up, and I get to anticipate the beauty throughout the season. This is also why fall is a little sad. My gardens are filled with heirloom plants passed down from family, plants planted in memory of loved ones, and plants shared from others. This is what made the poem possible. Personal feelings, memories, and observing the fall changes in the garden made for a fun poem set-up. I’m so glad you enjoyed the poem. Your evaluation is very much appreciated as poetry is a brand new writing experience for me. Thanks again!

  2. I think that I shall never see ..anything as beautiful as a tree! Beauty is indeed all around,I too feel the sadness of fall.The beauty is boundless ,but there is always an undertone of sadness and a feeling loneliness that hits me deep in my soul.I use to feel it years before I lost Dick.Now more than ever I feel it ever fall.But God is so awesome Winter comes covering death with the white pure snow with a promise in spring with a new birth .How can we not love our seasons that give us this time of remembering,reflecting, and rejoicing once again.Thanks for your reflections,Erin, I appreciate them and you. Bonita

    1. Bonita, thank you so very much for your beautiful comment – it made my heart warm. I imagine that fall is a time of deep reflection for you. But, yes, a promise of new life is born every winter and spring – God is awesome. Speaking of new birth – congratulations on your new grand-baby! What a wonderful gift this spring! Sending love to you.

  3. Carol and Jerry Eggert says: Reply

    Such beautiful pictures! Our sentiments exactly , about the changing season! Thank you!

    1. I think a little bit of sadness is a “given” here in Minnesota. Thanks so much for your kind words, reading and taking the time to comment! πŸ™‚

  4. Awesome !!
    Your photographs tell a wonderful story of the beauty that surrounds us this time year. πŸ‚keep up the great work and the great photography from one photographer to another I love this article and your Eye for Great pictures 😊

    1. Wow! Thank you so very much for your awesome comment. And, it’s fun getting compliments on my photos from another photographer. So, thank you!!! I’m so happy you enjoyed this post and the photographs within.

  5. This poem really got to me. I observe the gardens in a very similar way. I hadn’t thought of a garden as a mirror to our lives. I have also had experiences with scents bringing memories to me. Quite a profound poem…

    1. The effects that gardens can have on us are amazing, aren’t they? And, the memories that can be brought forth are just as special. Thank you so very much for your kind words!

  6. I was stunned by your photos Erin… and your poetic words blew me away!!!!

    1. Ritu, your words mean the world to me. And, coming from an excellent poet as yourself, your comment on my poem was very special. Thank you so very much.

      1. You are so welcome!

        1. Still sounds beautiful upon rereading!

          1. Thanks so much for rereading, Ritu. πŸ™‚ You are the best!

  7. What breathtaking pictures! I was walking with you as you wove in and out of each scene, beautifully punctuated with those descriptions. You have a gift, both with the camera and your words. I found someone who loves both with such a deep, abiding love in you today and am I ever glad. This was a pleasure to read.

    1. Shailaja, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your compliment is all that I aspire to do with my words and photos. Again, thank you for all of your kind words, and for taking the time to read. I’m so very glad you enjoyed this piece.

  8. Beautiful pictures and beautiful words πŸ™‚

    1. Thanks so much, Emma!

  9. You’re talented in so many ways…your words and your pictures are stunning πŸ’™

    1. Em, thank you so much! You always make me smile. You made my night. Thanks! <3

  10. Beautiful photos and words Erin!

    You live in SUCH a gorgeous part of the world! I hope you have a long, lovely autumn to prepare you for a snuggley chilly winter!

    1. Thanks so much, Josy! I think you can find beauty anywhere, but my gardens are definitely one of my favorite places to be. I wish that I had a long fall to look forward to, but we woke up to 3″ of snow today. More is supposedly on the way tomorrow. Oh well, time to start dreaming about spring. πŸ™‚ Josy, thanks for always reading and commenting. I appreciate you!

      1. Ooooooh snow!! That is exciting too! Yay for winter wonderlands!

  11. Delicious from start to finish.

    1. Daphne, thank you so very much for your sweet comment. So glad you enjoyed it! x

  12. Your photos are always so beautiful! I especially loved the macro shots of the bees on the flowers! I always manage to scare them off!

    1. Unbound Roots says: Reply

      Thanks, Hanna! I think my kids have them trained around here. The kids have actually taken up the practice of picking up the fuzzy bees and holding them in their hands. I have no idea where they get this from. Maybe they are bee whisperers. πŸ˜‰ Thanks so much for reading and leaving such a kind comment!

  13. These pics are unbelievable. I am.not a snake fan but I even.liked that one.!!

    1. Thanks, Orla! The 🐍 in this pic is pretty harmless. They only come out to warm themselves. I may be crazy but I love all the little critters that inhabit my garden. 😊

  14. Beautiful post, it felt magical to read your words and look at the photos. Thank you.

    1. Masha, thank you so very much for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I think I need to look back at this post, as we’ve had a couple weeks of cold, snow, and no sun. I need some color in my life. Thanks again! πŸŒ»πŸπŸƒ

  15. The pictures and the poem are so beautiful and meaningful!

    1. Thank you very much, Sheila! Tried something a little different here, and it turned out to be a lot of fun. πŸ™‚

  16. Fall makes me sad as well. The colors of the trees, while looking beautiful, also spell the end for me. The end of warmth for the year. The end of new growth for the year. It all just goes to frozen mud, bare branches whipping in the wind and snow that I no longer love.

    1. Jennifer, my thoughts exactly! Such a bittersweet time. Enjoying the beauty is a bit difficult when you know it won’t last for long.

  17. I love fall and all the changing colors. It’s such a beautiful time, but it’s also sad when the flowers lose their bloom and die. I love your pics. You’ve got a great eye and I also love your poetry. Keep writing. You’ve got talent, girl!

    1. Thanks so very much, Lisa! What a sweet a thoughtful comment. I agree with your statement, fall is beautiful, but the beauty lasts for such a short period. Very bittersweet.

  18. You’ve painted Minnesota as a Fall paradise Erin, both with gorgeous photos and well-crafted prose.

    I’m with you, fall is a wonderful time of the year, but all too brief.

    1. Unbound Roots says: Reply

      Gabe, I’m so sorry I missed replying to your comment in November. This isn’t like me. I remember reading your comment too. Ugh.

      Anyhow, thank you so very much for your kind words. Minnesota is a great place to be in the fall. If you’re ever looking for a sightseeing, hiking, or a fall exploration trip, MN would be a great place to travel to. 🍁

  19. What a view from that window. This is a beautiful post – I love it. The poem in particular is beautiful!

    1. Unbound Roots says: Reply

      Thank you so very much, Gloria! I remember the day I sat down to write this post and it was difficult to stay inside. Everything outside was just so beautiful. Now I’m just dreaming of spring as we are currently in the middle of a snowstorm. Thanks so much for sharing and taking the time to comment too!

  20. Beautiful photos of change. Autumn is my favourite season.

    1. Thank you, Suzanne! Autumn would be my favorite too if it wasn’t so short here. I get sad at the thought of it lasting just a few short weeks. But, it is absolutely lovely while it lasts πŸ™‚

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