Sunrise in the treetops . . . .

Autumn in Wyoming is rarely gentle.  But this year is different, with warm days, cool nights, and no frost to wreak havoc in our vegetable garden and flower beds.  Even the trees are in on the act, gradually turning on their beautiful colors and holding the leaves longer.  So accustomed are we to early autumn snow and freezing temperatures  that we are awakening each day in wonder at the beauty of this season.  On this first day of October, I left the house early with my camera determined to try to capture all the lush colors that still linger in the garden and in the tree tops.  What a trip!

Volunteering among the rocks . . . .

A recent 2 1/2 inch rain has the grass and flowers bursting with color.  These violas grew up in a crevice along the sidewalk and greet us each day as we walk to the gate.  There is no stopping them!

“We’re just getting started!” . . . .

A pot of geraniums have been so beautiful all summer I decided I would bring them indoors when the weather gets cold.  But for now, they are enjoying our extended summer.

Autumn favorites . . . .

Black-eyed Susans along the dry creek bed spend the summer looking fairly drab, and then in autumn burst forth with brilliant color which lasts for weeks.

Pink petunias interspersed  with fallen leaves . . . .

The petunias usually get ropey and sparse after blooming all spring and summer, but not this pot of pink beauties.  We open our bedroom door to the morning sunshine and look directly out at these lush flowers.  Planted in a blue ceramic pot adorned with pink flowers, they make a lovely statement.

“Here I am, all alone!” . . . .

This perky little pansy somehow found its way to a nearby bed about 10 feet from a planter on the porch that was filled with blue pansies all summer.  A faint dusting of pollen graces the petals.

Wedding bouquet . . . .

We were married in September and most of our flower arrangements consisted of bushel baskets filled with purple asters.  They bloom along the mountain roads in the autumn as well as in our garden and serve as a lovely reminder of our anniversary.

Subtle beauty . . . .

Not all of the garden arrangements are bright with color.  This old iron pot looks fine with purple fountain grass and sweet potato vine.  The subtle hues blend well with the stones surrounding them.

Golden canopy . . . .

Plains cottonwoods are as beautiful to me in autumn as any other tree.  Living beneath them along an old dry creek bed is heaven on earth. However, I won’t bother to mention all the leaves we will soon be raking for days on end, the annual dead fall of branches and twigs, the cotton that spews forth in spring, and the sticky buds that can ruin a paint job on your car.  Well, even a rose has thorns!

More late bloomers . . . .

I think these quiet contrasting colors and textures are beautiful together.

Once more  . . . .

These golden yarrow were beautiful in the spring and summer.  I cut them back once the flowers had faded and they got busy and started blooming again!

Humble little rose moss . . . .

Or is it moss rose?  I can never remember.  But what a favorite it is.

My new favorite . . . .

Orange carpet flower thrives in a raised berm and the hummingbirds love it!  It survives in a hot, dry berm where many other perennials have failed and I am so grateful.

Dinner gong and geranium . . . .

Nine hanging pots of geranium vines adorn the length of our front porch.  And they are still beautiful on the first day of October!

Asters of another color . . . .

Pretty white asters just began blooming and will last until the snow flies.

Morning companion . . . .

This doe deer seems to be enjoying the morning as much as I am.  On this first day of October, I have discovered so much to marvel at  and feel I am truly blessed to live here.  In less than an hour my journey through the flowers and fall foliage has left me in awe of the natural bounty of this place.