In many ways, September is probably the best time in the garden. The temps are perfect for being out in it, and there’s not as much work… so you can actually sit and enjoy from time to time.

All but one of my mums are blooming – and I switched the front boxes over from roses/pansies to their fall mums.

I tried to move the Toad Lilies, but the roots are really hard and thick. I think it’s going to be a spring job – for when the plants are small and I can actually see where I’m digging. The hummers will just have to be faster than Lemmy for the rest of the season.

I have sedum throughout the gardens and it’s in full bloom and giving the bees a regular feast.

And of course the black-eyed susans are shining bright.

And the asters have finally bloomed. All the fall favourites are here!

But it’s not just the regular autumn staples that are going strong.

All the annuals in the island garden are going strong – especially the cosmos

There are two other cosmos in the gardens, and both are doing well.

If you regularly dead-head cosmos, they will last right to the first frost. In a couple weeks, I will start letting these go to seed though – I want lots more for next year!

The dahlia in the island garden is also going gang busters. I’m debating on pulling this one up before the frost. Dahlia’s can’t handle our winters, but you are supposed to be able to keep the tubers dormant. I’ve never had any luck with that but it might be worth another try.

The Red Hot Pokers surprised me by putting up four new pokers. They are standing tall and bright in the front yard.

And the roses are all taking their turns blooming.

The neighbour planted some morning glories, and eventually they find their way over the fence. The Globe Thistle are done for the season (I leave the seed heads for the birds), but they make a nice trellis for the Morning Glories.

It may be September, but we’ve got weeks of gorgeous garden to go!