Amphibians, butterflies and figs. . .

Busy days in the garden again this week. 

The tree guys were back to prune the fig, some overgrown privets, 

and limbing up an oak tree encroaching on our neighbor's tall conifer. 

All looks so much neater now, especially the fig tree which had

 become more like a gigantic shrub!

Before and after. . . . . much better now we can see the trunk again.

Eastern Black swallowtail on asters.

While emptying pots of summer annuals, herbs etc., I also moved the pots

 of asters and was surprised by this rather large frog in the bottom of a planter.

I think my visiting frog is a Carolina gopher frog. 

Very handsome, about 3" long with beautiful markings. . . . . the first

 seen here in my garden!

If interested in frogs you can read more about him/her here.

We tipped him out of the planter near the bee bath as he obviously 

requires water - then he hopped into a pot of ivy. I haven't seen him since

but hope he stays around and devours unneeded insects!

Have a great weekend.

Stay safe - be well.

 . . . . plan a visit to a lovely garden or a pumpkin patch!

Pumpkins and Round Houses --------

However in Laayoune, Western Sahara, there were these really cute

 pumpkin-looking 'round houses' in an area called Spanish Town.

This year I'm missing travel to distant lands so much! 

I was more than ready to head south of the city on the first cool

 day to our favorite small family farm, Johnson Pumpkin Farm, 

and pick up some traditional pumpkins for a little fall decor. 

The ride through the countryside was fabulous - green

 fields, blue skies and plenty of brilliant pumpkins.

These came home with me and are now decorating the

 front porch. . . . . . .the two large paler colored pumpkins on the right

I will roast later as they are good for soups and veggie stews.

Also picked up a couple of pots of heavily budded mums - should open

 with a lot of yellow blooms soon!

Are you planning to decorate for Autumn and Halloween this year?

Waning late summer days. . . . . .

 

This is how late Summer, early Autumn should be! 

A busy weekend flew by.

Perfect weather has arrived at last.

Sleeping with the windows open.

Drinking the last of the rosé wines.

Baking a little sweet thing now and then.

Having company on the front porch.

Granddaughter came for lunch in the gazebo.

Buying fresh, chef-made pasta for a pumpkin sauce.

A cord of firewood delivered then stacked by Bob.

New young neighbors moved in across the street.

Fig leaves falling in the cooler nights - acorns too.

Up early today - baked buttermilk biscuits. 

Taking a country ride this afternoon to shop for pumpkins. 

Blogging has been on the back burner - will catch up with you later!