I’ve really enjoyed this fall in the northern climate of Zone 4.  It’s been different than most years.  I had many nice weather days that begged for me to come up with some chores to do just so I could be outside. Mild, sunny days allowed me to do my fall chores with ease; usually a rarity. No racing around the yard trying to clean up wet, soggy leaves and get things put away with a layer of snow on them. There was plenty of time to rake, compost, clean up beds, divide perennials, plant bulbs, and store things properly.

The slow progression of Fall had me enjoying the beauty of my yard – the deep burgundy colors of my Smokebush, the maroon shades of Autumn Joy Sedum, the faded neon yellow foliage of my hostas, and the golden leaves of my Bridal Wreath shrubs. And I’ve never been able to enjoy my fall mums into November! Usually an early hard freeze in October destroys them before I really get a chance to enjoy them.

Now it’s late-November and we’ve had some cold nights, a bit of snow and our winter yard is well on it’s way into hibernation. The mums have dropped their heads, the birds are making more frequent stops at our feeders for nourishment and the squirrels are busy burying their winter treasures.

With the onset of shorter, cloudier days I am finding the best locations in my home for the plants I overwinter. Some are dormant and find a home in the dark corners of my chilly basement until Spring, others are finding a spot near a window while my kitchen herbs love their home in front of an East window in my laundry room.

I’m looking forward to the wintry scene ahead as my evergreens provide the most beautiful backdrop to peaceful snowfalls and give me wonderful opportunities for winter bird pics. I moved a couple of my feeders near windows to get the best view from indoors and my camera is ready to catch the activity.

I hope your Thanksgiving was blessed with family and friends of all kinds! I am thankful to you, my readers, for sharing your backyard fun with me!

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