first hints of fall

Even though our Memphis temperatures are still hovering at the 90 degree mark, fall is on its way.  Mornings are cooler, I don't have to water every day, and late season plants are more prominent than the showy summer bloomers.

 

my lemon cucumbers are putting on a fresh set of fruit after summer's deep heat has broken.

 

bees, both honey and tiny natives, cover the garlic chive blossoms from dawn to dusk.  These reseed vigorously and I just let them grow where they please.  This time of year, I'm always happy to see their cheerful white clusters of blossoms along my fence line, in the lawn, and filling in gaps in beds.

 

While someone's made lacework out of the leaves, I've enjoyed my hyacinth bean blooming along both sides of my front yard fence.  The vines have worked their way up my bottletree in the most charming way.

 

My jerusalem artichoke patch has been blooming prolifically.  It will be time to harvest soon.

 

This is my first year to grow castor bean.  I think it's the most sculptural plant.  Next year I'll give it someplace with a bit more sun as these plants are very short.

The zinnias I planted late in spring are really starting to bloom, and after a break, the verbena bonerais is putting on a new flush of bloom.  This is another plant that I let self-sow.  Even though I'm not typically a fan of purple, I love the movement this plant brings to the garden.

It's past time for me to start seeds for winter greens, but I still have time to get in some arugula and chard, and maybe some radishes for the cold frame.  How are you preparing for fall, friends?