SEASONS & CYCLES in the GARDEN of LIFE - October 2019

We had a most unusual deluge of rain in September. Dahlias are still abundantly blooming continuously for this late in the season. The cooler, sunny days arouse a briskness like the feeling of diving into an icy river on a hot day.  Or being slapped by that first wave at the wild Oregon coast. We are hit with freezing cold as our bodies rejuvenate to alertness.  As my body encounters the crisp October air I feel utterly re-energized and alive.  Sometimes I’m sure I’m smelling the ocean, Invigorating air infused with salt, though it is 60 miles away. I find October weather restorative. 

Above, Dahlia 'bliss'.

Above, Dahlia 'dazzle me'.

We Oregonians get excited about our ‘rainbow’ days when intermittent rain and sun bring out the magical fairies and the child in us all. Although the plant nurseries are winding down, the wetter soil makes for easy rearrangement of plants that were not correctly placed. There are still bargains to be found. I am moving plants around & anticipating next year's garden. This is a gardener’s long range planning. Spring feels so far away now, but before we know it, she will arrive again.  It will be like meeting old friends you haven’t seen for awhile. Improving my garden landscape is most satisfying.

Above, late Acanthus Mollis 'bears breeches'.

I thought I’d tried “everything” (not really!) but this year the Aster perennial offerings are giving me a whole new slant on Autumn foliage.  As many plants fade or give a last shout out, Asters arrive in full glory.  Like Coleus in the Spring used to be a hum drum plant and is now the star of shade planters and borders, these Asters are resplendent and able to thrive in colder weather. First I bought two and explored online.  Then I got four more and now have six!  There I go, absorbed, delighted and obsessed with something new in the plant kingdom. My playground of choice! 

Below, Aster 'Peter III Blue'

Life has been a bit surreal this month because we moved my 98 yr old mother to Eugene from NYC.  We thought we had found a good place for her to live here. We quickly saw that she had declined much more than we had realized. We needed to quickly reassess.  In the meantime she lived with my husband David and I for two & a half weeks.  It was like being thrown into deep water. Our roles completely reversed, she was the child and very needy.  We were her caregivers.

Fortunately for myself and for her, I have done decades of personal growth & spiritual healing. To say she was not an easy mother is a gross understatement.  Thus this opportunity to take care of her in the way that I would have liked to be nurtured as a child, has been an obvious gift for both of us. She has been grateful to the core for our presence at this time in her life. The compassion and kindness I have been able to show her has allowed me to forgive & to heal further from my wounds and feelings of betrayal that scarred me in my childhood. I call this Divine Intervention.  She is now transitioning to a very fine Memory Care Home. I am appreciating elderly people like never before.

Below, Dahlia 'Diva'  has been one of the stars of the season. Brilliant & rich, long lasting when cut, with a long stem.

Dahlia 'I do' blends well with all the Autumn colors.