Walking Iten's Acres: Last Walk before the Frost October 17, 2015

Last walk before the "killer" frost.

Walking Iten's Acres: Chilly in October October 4, 2015

Chilly wet day at The Acres. The phlox, hibiscus, and annuals don't seem to mind. And, of course, the wild flowers. The monk's hood and hardy cyclamen have just started to bloom actually. I'm still waiting for the fall crocus. I even have an iris with buds on it. Still not much in the leaf changing category. The dogwoods some. And the poison ivy is brilliant red. I was going to work outside all day today, but I'm leaning toward wimping out. The Backroads of Morrow County have edged toward harvest time. Lots of the soy beans are gone. Just a little of the corn. Lots of green and red monsters sitting in the fields. One farmer has already taken in his beans and plowed all his fields. Maybe he planted something, but I can't imagine what. Even if I don't "work" I will have to take a couple of walks naturally. Can't completely waste a Saturday!

Walking Iten's Acres: A September Gallery (and Cat Tales) September 27, 2015

Walking Iten's Acres A Fall Guy September 13, 2015

A gorgeous day at The Acres. Fall in the air. Brisk, clouds in motion, dappled sun, fall's flowers dotting the landscape. More and more asters every day as I trek through the wild area. I sat on the Green Throne for a long time today. I'm tempted to spend a night sleeping out there under the stars. The goldfinch are especially busy this time of year in the margins of the meadow. Saw my mink friend again today slipping shyly down one of the paths. The trees are not yet turning, but after last night's lovely rain, they have to be thinking about it. The Ancient Maple may have a tinge of red on its upper branches. A new area of white phlox appeared yesterday behind the house. And there is a new purple flower in one of the beds upfront. I have no idea what it is--except for exquisite. Even the leaves are unique. My Gardening Angels are staying busy. I am still waiting for more and more of the asters--white, purple, and pink. They are coming, slowly but surely in the best use of the old cliche. I am also holding out hope for one last Rose of Sharon. It's the one--if you're familiar with the saga of The Acres--that I mowed down four or so years in a row, but each time it recovered. Yet, it has never bloomed--but this year it has buds!! I brought it here from Mom and Pop's so I'm hoping it will do its duty--add to the memories of "imported" beauties. I am also anticipating a plethora of fall crocus. They are probably a couple weeks away--lilac, pink, white, yellow. Always a pleasant surprise. One day nothing--next day loveliness. The roses re-bloom this time of year as well. Mom and Pop's white one has already started and a wild red and white striped one as well. And soon the leaves will paint their collage against the blue-gray autumn sky. Autumn--phase three in the glories of The Acres. I love being a fall guy.

Today at Iten's Acres: Three Days! September 6, 2015

Three days at The Acres. What to do? What to do? Pardon? School work? Oh, yeah, lots of school work. For sure. Huh. Today, began with an early morning walk. An iris has re-bloomed--white one. (Thanks Chloe) Many things have begun their hunkering down for next year's show. The phlox is still everywhere beautiful and filling the air with its fragrance. Coneflowers are still at it as well. And the lobelia--blue enough to be purple. Still tons of hibiscus as well--particularly the deep pink and red ones. Obedient plants as well. The major player in the wild area this time of year is the golden rod. It's a sea of yellow out there. A few white aster have begun to decorate the edges, and the purple and pink New England asters should be presenting their islands of color in the midst of the yellow sea before long. The gladiola are everywhere as well. Brilliant colors. Even the whites are colorful. And, of course, the annuals in the planters have matured. Wave petunia have turned one bed purple--an eight by eight purple ocean with multiple glads, orange gazania, red royal catchfly, and tall pink to wine cosmos rising from the "ocean" to garner some attention of their own. Yes, The Acres are still a thing of beauty as we meander into September.
For "work" today I mowed the back--usually it's Feeding the Swallows, but they appear to have headed South already. Alas. I still enjoyed the serenity. Yes, riding a lawn mower for a couple of hours under a blue sky, white clouds, and with a gentle country breeze can indeed be serene. I also planted a few things, moved a few things, and took note of some other jobs I probably won't do. One very small bed left to build--that I will do. And throw bricks at the muskrat. And pray for the success of the huge grey and white cat that has been chipmunk hunting around the patio the last week or so. Happy hunting and gathering my feline friend.
All in all, I intend to enjoy every moment of my three days of the Acres--after I do my school work, of course.