It's hibiscus and rose of Sharon time. They have really only just begun--there are plenty more to come--but they dominate the scenery. Their size alone catches your eye as you stroll the Acres. And they are everywhere! Along the sides, up the driveway, in the beds, by the pond and bog, near the house, in the meadow and wild area. White, red, plum, pinks of different shades, bluish, doubles--lots of variety and even a few different shapes. Bed 2 along the driveway at its peak will have twenty to twenty-five blooms at the same time. Stunning--to use one of my favorite descriptors. Now that the gladiolas are just about bloomed out, along comes the next beauty--hibiscus and rose of Sharon.
There are, of course, other flowers trying to get your attention. Sunflowers are blooming. Some planted by me; some by the chipmunks. Their gardening makes for nice surprises. I guess rodents can serve a useful purpose once in awhile--other than lunch for predators. (How do skunks ever sneak up on anything? Just wondering.) There are lots of coneflowers everywhere as well, especially in the wild area. Every year the bird spread them out into different areas. The birds of Iten's Acres will feast this winter on sunflower seeds and coneflower seeds. Not to mention the crab apples and the berries on the dogwood and hawthorn. We provide a nice variety at the Acres' winter feast.
You couldn't starve this time of year at the Acres. Domesticated and wild black berries are everywhere. The tame ones are huge, but the wild ones are the sweetest. Now that the blueberries are gone, I enjoy blackberry snacks as I cruise the property. And there are apples and pears galore! Even a walnut or three have fallen already if you're a little nuts. Bring a basket or two and pick to your heart's delight! Sorry that the blueberries have already been munched out of existence.
I am awaiting the next stage in the beautification of Iten's Acres: the asters and goldenrod of the wild area and margins can't be too far away. The bees and butterflies will move in for the feast. The wilds will be abuzz. I have no idea where all the honey bees come from in the fall. I don't see too many of them otherwise. But the whole orchestra will be here soon.
I have a couple outlaws back on my walking schedule. The little female hound has found a glitch in the electric fence strategy. She suddenly shows up at my feet when I'm out strolling and demands to be petted and that we take a trip to the meadow and wild area. And she brings the little black puppy with her. I didn't think I would ever get to make his acquaintance, but, alas, we are walking buddies. Gus has yet to join the excursions. He's so brain dead, he probably hasn't noticed that his companions are gone. She is quite clever about her escapes. She waits until the family leaves, and then she follows suit with her little shadow in tow. I suppose I should tell on her . . . I'll feel bad if she gets into the street. It's amazing, though, how the rabbit population has suddenly decreased since she's become a rover. Ahhh, well. I'll tell for her sake. But I'll miss the company. I still have my lovely Bonnie!!!
August has arrived. The hibiscus and rose of Sharon are stealing the show. I am not turning them in for theft I promise you.
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