Autumn is around the corner…

It’s that time of year when I find myself focusing on the trees in my backyard, hoping to get a glimpse of the first sign of color on their leaves. I make a silent prayer that this season will bring the bright hues of orange and red which I like best.

After the trees, I turn my attention to my garden. As things start to fade, perennials are showing a muted patina hue, noting the end of the bloom season. My early morning walks are filled with crisp, cool breezes, while the evening air calls for a warm, cozy sweater. How I love a change of season!

Are you sad to see the summer fade, or like me, do you welcome the autumn as your comfort zone?

Fall offers so many things to look forward to, like taking out sweaters and scarves, picking apples and viewing colorful foliage.

Perhaps you enjoy the decorating part, adding fall plants in your planters scattered around the yard. If you do, heirloom pumpkins and gourds are a must; add a pretty fall wreath and you’ve got it covered.

Here are a few of my favorite things for fall. I’d love to hear some of yours if you wish to share!

Dahlias

This is the time of year that we all find most challenging in our gardens. Hydrangeas are faded, we’ve seen the best of the David Austin roses and it’s time to start thinking about fall cleanup and cutting back the perennials.

Thank goodness for dahlias, my saving grace this time of year!! I don’t grow a ton of them, but I do have a few favorites that I love to plant each year. The spectacular colors of dahlias bring so much to my garden during the fall which I couldn’t do without. These are a few of my favorite varieties:

• dinner plate

• cafe au lait

• snowho doris

• labyrinth

• peaches ‘n’ cream
  

Heirloom Pumpkins

There are so many varieties of pumpkins to choose from, but I tend to gravitate to the heirloom pumpkins in an array of pastel colors. They have that quirky, recognizable shape that looks quite different than your run-of-the-mill round orange type. Mix a few of both to add a more interesting look to your decor.

Candles and Diffusers

This is the time of year that elicits scented candles. Bring on the pumpkin spice and nutmeg!

Adding warmth to your home with candles and scented diffusers makes it more inviting. I just love a glowing color palette of gold and amber.

Apple Picking

It’s apple picking time in New England.

Here are a few of my favorite local orchards to visit:

• Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury

• Russell Orchards, Ipswich

• Smolak Farms, North Andover

If you’re inspired and have apples to spare, see my favorite applesauce recipe below.

Sandra’s Applesauce

Ingredients

4 large apples - Granny Smith or McIntosh
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup agave nectar (or honey)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (or cinnamon spice)

Instructions

1. Peel & core apples. Cut into 1/2” slices.

2. Place cut apples into a medium-sized saucepan with other ingredients. Bring to a boil.

3. Lower heat to simmer. Cover pot, lifting to stir occasionally until apples become soft and tender.

4. Mash apples with the back of a spoon, more gently for chunky applesauce.

Enjoy!

Decorating Fall Planters

Here are some tips to create your own fall display at home…

* Start with the anchor pieces, filling your urns first. Instead of a large mum plant, try different hybrids of coral bells, ornamental peppers, kale and grasses in smaller sizes.

* We love to use hay bales as risers to give different levels for the pumpkins to nest on. Also, vintage sap buckets filled with large kale tucked in can add a level of interest too.

* Next, pumpkins...pumpkins and more pumpkins! Use a variety of shapes, sizes & colors to add interest. I’m loving the pale green and grey ones best, paired with petite white princess pumpkins. Give it a try!!

* Finally, add one other element that you can easily find in your area. We often use cornstalks and gourds. This year we’re adding vintage sap buckets into the mix to fill out the display and add some more texture.

* Voilà! You now have a festive way to wonderfully welcome every guest this season.

I wish you a warm and cozy fall. Happy decorating!

XOXO,
Sandra