The Maple Hill Hop 153

Welcome to 

The Maple Hill Hop.

This is a hop for folks who love the outdoors.

Feel free to post about anything that's going on

OUTSIDE

in your neck of the woods,
no matter the season.

(Please share only outdoor posts.)

*Grab the button above to link back to Maple Hill 101.*

Autumn will be a time of change for us 

in the garden.

With three plant giveaways in the past few weeks,

we have a new canvas on which to create a new garden plan.  

 While some things will remain,

like this morning glory that is filling our original butterfly garden,

as well as the salvia that continues to bloom

and seems  quite content with the change in seasons.

 We were able to find new homes for a good number of plants.

With our home going back on the market in a couple of weeks,

we have been working on simplifying the landscape, 

so that it will appeal to more buyers.

 There are some bare patches that we will just allow 
to be covered with grass.

 The lemongrass that used to call this spot home,

was very popular with folks coming for plants.

(We still have part of another on the other side of this bed.)

 So much of the garden has been neglected all summer,

as my recent health issues do not allow me to garden as much as I'd like.

The butterfly area is in dire need of attention.

Fortunately, the butterflies don't seem to mind

the unkempt appearance and we see visitors daily

laying eggs, enjoying nectar and flitting effortlessly.

 

This spot in the northwest corner of our yard is another area

that desperately needs some work.

The ferns did not seem appealing to most folks,

and they will most likely be discarded.

It breaks my heart to throw plants away,

but our options are few. 

 On a brighter note,

our veggie garden is doing well.

Beets, eggplant and snap peas all came up within the week of sowing.

Last week the carrots went in

and this week I will reseed where things didn't germinate.

We'll also be sowing our lettuce, thyme and parsley seeds.

The pigeon peas have started producing pods.

These peas can be added fresh to salads,

or cooked as a side dish.

The taste is a cross between edamame and snap peas.

 This crop continues to produce for months on end,

so we'll be able to enjoy them for a while.

I noticed this on the leaves.

Obviously, something is eating the plant,

but it's not quelling the production of peas. 

This could be the work of lubber grasshoppers.

 This moringa is in flower.

The leaves are edible,

although I enjoy the blooms just as much.

The zinnias are dwindling down for the season.

They give us fresh bouquets all summer,

and they will be missed not only by us,

but by the pollinators as well.

 

 The beautyberry plants will continue to feed the birds

all throughout the fall and into the winter months.

The butterfly vine is beginning to fill out with bright yellow blossoms.

The leaves turn from dark green to chartreuse,

and resemble a butterfly.

 The cosmos are still going strong,

and some are as tall as 5 feet!

Another pollinator magnet,

we employ these all over the garden to support Mother Nature's marvels.

There's still much to do to prepare the garden

for home buyers.

These pots have been put aside for a special project.

That's what we've been doing outside lately.

What's going on where you live?

HOP to it!

 
   

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