Celebrating the ordinary
On frosty mornings I’ve continued to enjoy frost flowers on our dittany (Cunila origanoides) and I recently saw them for the first time on white crownbeard (Verbesina virginica), also known as frostweed. I planted it last spring because it’s another host for frost flowers. Even so, I was taken by surprise at its first display of ice crystals.
I was delighted to discover my first frost flowers of the season on dittany plants (Cunila origanoides) on November 13, 14, and 15. Our nighttime temperatures were in the mid 20s and were the lowest we’ve had this fall. I was thrilled to find these ice sculptures in our backyard for the first time last year (Frost flowers and Frost flowers #2). Seeing them again this year suggests that their occurrence is somewhat predictable.
I’m glad we took Stacy Borden’s advice in 2005 and planted a black gum, or tupelo tree, (Nyssa sylvatica) in the backyard. I like it for several reasons, however I especially like its consistent fall color.
I’m continuing to enjoy all the colors of Lexington’s many trees. In our backyard, the black gum or tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) is almost breathtaking with its brilliant red leaves. However, as I wandered in the garden this morning, I discovered other, smaller splashes of color as well. This blueberry bush (Vaccinium corymbosum) almost seemed to glow with its mixture of reds and yellows.
As the growing season comes to a close, the backyard is looking somewhat scraggly. One exception is the view of the rain garden.
The pink muhly gass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is especially striking, and makes a much bolder statement than when it first bloomed in October 2010. It’s been providing a splash of pink for about three weeks now, and it brightens my mood every time I see it. Here’s hoping it stays around a bit longer.
