“Halloween is right around the corner.
You can tell because all the stores are decked out for Christmas.”
~ Stephen Colbert
A Plant: Dahlias, Tuber
Peaches & Cream Dahlia, 3 Porch Farm
I am sure I have written about Dahlias before, simply because they are so beautiful - and so useful. Particularly so in the fall. As days shorten and temperatures decline, they come out of their summer funk and announce to the world, “Cut off my head, put me in a vase!” Well, perhaps they don’t say that, but without doubt, they are one of the best flowers to bring in.
Available in dozens of colors, sizes, and heights, the choices can be a little overwhelming. Throw a dart; they are all lovely. If you live north of USDA Zone 8, the tubers should be dug after a frost or two. Unless you have hundreds of plants, this is not a difficult task. Overwinter the dry tubers in dry sawdust or shredded paper in a cool basement or garage. They can be divided in the spring and replanted.
Dahlia Dahlinova Hypnotica Lavender, CAST
Dahlia Diva from my own garden
A Garden-Chenonceau Chateau and Gardens, Chenonceaux, France
I have written about grand gardens in France before, but I was reminded of this one when an article crossed my desk about Great Gardens we all should visit. As I learned about the history, it was remarkable that every change, upgrade, and feature was accomplished by women. Perhaps not so remarkable today, but quite so in the 14th to the 19th century. The chateau is certainly worth a visit, but the gardens even more so.
The gardens of Diane de Poitiers and of Catherine de Medici are traditionally high French in design with parterres, walkways, and minimal plant diversity. Roses, lavender, herbs, and boxwoods outline the various walkways and entrances to the chateau itself.
This is a walk-about garden that is truly magnificent in its design. It is ostentatious, pompous, but great fun – even giving Versailles a run for its money.
A Book - Whistler, Fiction
When our book club gathers each month, one of the couples recommends the next book to be read and discussed in a month’s time. I had never heard of Whistler, but with a horse on the cover, I was ready for action and adventure. I think there is some saying somewhere that says something about judging a book by its cover.
This book is all about relationships in an extended family. I am always taken to task when I comment that “nothing happened,” and in this case, only one thing happened. Critics disagree with me strongly, but regardless, I loved the book.
It follows the lives of two sisters, a mother, and her third husband, and the relationships between one of the former husbands and one of the sisters. It sounds complicated, but if anything, it is smooth reading and offers wonderful interactions. Our book discussion was one of the best we have had because everyone had an opinion about each of the characters. By the way, the saying, “don’t judge a book”….. it was absolutely right.
A Show: The Lincoln Lawyer, Season 3
If you read anything by Michael Connelly, then you know that there will be plots, twists, and mayhem, regardless of his protagonist - in this case, the defense lawyer Mickey Haller. We have watched the first two seasons, and if nothing else, they are entertaining, if not a little repetitive. But with a bowl of popcorn and some libation, Susan and I binge at least two episodes in a sitting.
Season 3 is all about trying to get Mickey off a murder charge, and follows the ups and downs as his coworkers run into one dead end after another. If that is not enough, at least three other cases are brought to light, and one of my favorite characters dies. Season 4 is in the works.
A Place -Dahlonega, Georgia
The North Georgia mountains are always a pleasure to visit, starting with the foothills in Athens and continuing to the higher peaks in the Blue Ridge like Brasstown Bald (~5000’). There are, of course, countless towns and villages, but one of my favorites is the town of Dahlonega. It is far enough from Atlanta to maintain its quiet character, although close enough to see a ton of visitors every summer and fall. Historically, it was a gold rush town, sparking the nation’s second major gold rush in 1828.
There is lots to do and see, including the Gold Rush Museum, underground mine tours, and wineries (N. Georgia wine is surprisingly good), as well as a ton of nearby outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing. As for me, I enjoy the downtown public square, which hosts all sorts of interesting shops and excellent eateries.
It is lovely at any time of year, but even more so in the fall when the colors peak. Well worth a visit.
A Recommendation from our Readers
Photos of Brookgreen Gardens
~ Susan Esche
Greetings………enjoy your articles about botanical gardens. Don’t recall if you’ve ever done one on the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay, Maine. The first time I visited about 15 years ago, I knew before I’d left the parking lot and got to the entrance that I would “join”. Their backstory of how the community obtained the land from a failed housing development project and created this magnificent Garden and educational center is so inspiring!
Kindest regards,
Mary Lutz
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