September quickly steps aside, leaving us with those cool nights where having the window open just a bit provides for a good sleep under cozy blankets. The other morning the heat actually kicked on, just for short while. I bought a new set of crisp percale sheets, although perhaps flannel might have made more sense for the upcoming months.

In case there was any doubt, a quick stroll around the yard confirms that Fall is well on its way. Late Autumn flowers and weeds are a-bloom and lending their farewells. Along with the grasses and trees, much of it has already gone to seed.

The hot-pink spikes of petals rising up from deep eggplant-purple leaves of Shiso is an unexpected surprise, supplying quite the pop of color. Shiso has arrived in my garden for years, but I’ve never noticed it blooming so brightly or profusely. Last year was a lackluster showing. This year they are everywhere. Shiso propagates by seed – perhaps there will be more appearing in the yard (and all the neighbor’s yards) next summer. Maybe I should harvest it now and do something with it. In the past I’ve made pesto, a juice drink, and also a syrup with the leaves, which probably should have been harvested by now. Will it be any good at this point, or too bitter? Can I even get motivated for this? Lots of questions. It’s raining at the moment, so no decisions need to be made. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe…..

Powdery mildew dusts the dying leaves of Echinacea. The spikey, dried flower heads create a mood much different than presented weeks ago.

Peony leaves display tributary-like patterns as they fade out.

White Snakeroot has appeared in abundance near the back patio. It was not planted and has never been there before. This is a toxic perennial that must have arrived on the wind at some point, and will need to be removed.

Insects have artfully created rag-tag skeletons in the leftover leaves of Solomon’s Seal.

The Sedum is fully in bloom now. Bees gather in numbers around a particularly bright cluster, nourishing and storing before serious cold sets in.

Two of the figs on the little fig tree, which is still outside on The Urban Porch ™, are actually beginning to gain a bit of tint. Perhaps at least some of them will ripen, my doubt and impatience all for naught.

It had been an odd summer – despite many hot days, the basil plants never reached any significant height, nor did they flower or bolt as usual.

Dangling skeletons and ghosts, giant black spider webs, pumpkins and other accoutrements of Halloween have already begun to make an appearance in the neighborhood, a good month before the holiday. This week I made a butternut squash soup and some baked apples to confirm the season. Maybe it’s time to sweep the remnants of a summer gone to seed off my porch.

Farewell September!

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