Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Early Fall 2013 in Tennessee

Today I will share a few 'early'  Fall photos from Tennessee.  The photo above was taken on September 5 when George and I were in the Smokies.  I took this photo from the Foothills Parkway.  I was so excited to see some Fall Color. (Be sure to click on photos for enlargements.)




Then on September 10,  I took this picture of a tree across the street from us that was showing lots of color.  Pretty,  isn't it????




The rest of the photos were taken on a gorgeous Saturday (September 14) in our yard... We began planting our PANSIES around the yard on this day.  We have 72 to plant.  Pansies will last through the winter here (most of the time---unless it is extremely cold for a long period of time, which is rare) and will add some color to the yard.  They will bloom until about July (when it gets very hot).   This is the Lamppost Flowerbed ---and we also plant Lilies and Daffodils in this bed.




Our Pink Dogwood tree is showing signs of FALL.   Pretty,  isn't it?




Here's a new photo of the trees across the street --that are showing so much color.  I love this photo since it also shows the gorgeous BLUE skies we had on this day.




Vinca is a great Summer flower to have in your yard... It is similar to Impatiens --but is a sun-lover whereas the Impatiens love shade.  They are good to have as replacements of  the Pansies, when they die in July.   Do you have Vinca in your yard?




Here's another photo of some color in one of the trees across the street from our house.




Well---all of this FALL color (except for our Pink Dogwood) is across the street --and not in our yard YET... As you can see from this photo,  we still have alot of GREEN around us so far... I can't wait to see these big trees show more Fall colors... (I will share this with you when it happens!!)




We usually have LOTS of Autumn Joy Sedum in bloom this time of year,  but some kind of bug (or something) did alot of damage to many of ours this year... I have had Autumn Joy Sedum for many years with NO problems.  It's pretty hearty --but this year,  something has gotten it (even though the plants are in different places throughout the yard).  Maybe all of the rain we had this year has caused problems --but I really think it was a bug of some kind (although I've never seen any bugs).... I have sprayed for bugs and put out something to get rid of slugs.  I've also cut many of the plants back.  It's a puzzlement...  Anyhow---this is one that has made it this year (we have a few blooming around the yard), even though you can see some of the brown spots on the leaves... Anyone ever had this problem with your Autumn Joy Sedum?????




I love this photo of my Sweetie as he works in the yard... He is cleaning out an area so that the Periwinkle (Vinca Minor) and/or the English Ivy will grow and take over those spots...  The more ground cover we have,  the less that George has to mow!!!!!  That is his goal!!!!!




Here's another Pansy bed (under the Dogwood Tree).... I am going to plant HOSTA here this Fall --since Hosta do well in our yard (if I can keep the deer away from them). 




Our big Confederate Jasmine Bush just keeps on blooming...  I love this big bush --but we may have to cut it back some this winter since it's almost too large to prune!!!!  We needed to prune it this summer --but there was a bird's nest in it---so we had to wait til the birds left the nest...




PERFECT MOMENT ROSE 9/9/13
I can't do an Early Fall Blog Post without showing you at least one more of our gorgeous ROSES... They are really blooming all over the yard now ---and will do so until the first frost of winter.  This beauty is named PERFECT MOMENT and I took the picture on September 9. 




Finally,  here's a photo looking above our home at the trees and gorgeous blue skies looking toward the backyard.  This was our first really cool Fall morning of the season (45 degrees early that morning --and highs in the lower 70's)....   I'll write down September 14, 2013 as a PERFECT day on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.

Please check out a neat photo in my Photo Blog today (click HERE).

Thanks for so many interesting comments on my 'Sounds' Blog Post on Monday... You made me think of so many more sounds I like or dislike....  I love to hear windchimes and I love to hear a crackling fire in the fireplace.... I hate to hear the alarm clock go off EARLY in the mornings.....  Thanks again for participating... I enjoy those kinds of posts. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Hugs,

61 comments:

Our photos said...

Beautiful fall photos from Tennessee!
Greetings, RW & SK

Twilight Man said...

Your fabulous photos are interesting to admire. I am impressed that you remember all the names of the flowers and trees like your own children. Happy Growing!

Ms. A said...

You're already seeing quite a bit of color and I'd love to be having your temps! I'm so ready!

Serenity Cove said...

We are starting to see some fall color too and there's definitely a chill in the air.
My autumn sedum is actually looking nice this year and I also planted vinca. I had trouble with slugs on those but I think I got them before they totally destroyed the plants.
Maybe the spots on the sedum come from too much rain? I really don't know. Just a guess.
I like how your home blends in with all the trees and greenery. Looks like you are in the woods:)

amanda said...

I'm glad to get an early fall peek at things in your area, as my mom is there right now - a solo cross-country solo exploring trip. Last I spoke to her a couple of days ago she was in the Hocking Hills area of Ohio, her destination was the Great Smokey Mountains.
She'll be home Friday. :)
Your passion shows in your photos & word! Your flowers and ground covers are fantastic. You and George do beautiful work together!

Glenda said...

Everything is looking very fall-ish at your place and in the higher elevations of the Smokies. Around here, there is a tree across our road that I have taken pictures of at various stages of change, and I'll be posting those as my Facebook cover as soon as it starts changing this fall. I'm wondering how the colors might be affected by all the rain we had during June and July; hopefully, they'll be beautiful! People come from all over the place to see the colors in the mountains when they're at their peak, you know! Keep up the great work on the Plateau! :-)

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Betsy Such lovely photos of the fall and great to see what you are up to in your yerd.

DeniseinVA said...

Great photos Betsy, love all the Fall colors. This is my favorite time of the year, next to Spring.

Fun60 said...

Your photos have got me thinking about my garden. I too need to plant some winter pansies and put some more bulbs in. Each year I try and replace the ones the squirrels have feasted on! Haven't got many leaves changing yet but it won't be too long. Your garden always has so much colour no matter what the season.

eileeninmd said...

Lovely fall colors, Betsy! Your yard is always looking beautiful. I think we have the impatiens on the side of our yard. I love your Jasmine bush, does it have a lovely scent? Another beautiful day in Tennessee. Have a happy day!

Peaches McGinty said...

Hi Betsy, 72 pansies! goodness you two work hard! the transitioning seasons are always so lovely and so are your pictures - George has great ideas, more ground coverage less mowing! my garden is a fright! our rabbits eat everything, we are trying to grow a mini meadow for the good bugs (if there is such a thing!)and I have been known to keep some weeds as I think they look pretty! - I take lots of pleasure looking at your fabulous and colourful garden though x x

FRPJ said...

The blue skies are perfect for showing off those Autumn colours. Walking around our neighbourhood this morning
I noticed so many signs in nature of the
turn of the seasons. Like you the big trees around and about our garden as still green. I'm waiting for the big cherry tree beyond our back garden to turn colour as it's always a lovely sight.

Neal said...

You have more color than we do...maybe the higher elevation. Your yard is certainly beautiful.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

you guys work so hard - but you can enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the year. so great! ( :

i love fall best ... makes me ultra happy!

MadSnapper said...

my favorite is the stunning shot of the close up of pink dogwood. wow, that is beautiful.. and i like the shot of your house nestled in all the beauty of trees and plants.
windchimes make me bonkers...

Ginny Hartzler said...

This is a gorgeous header of the mountains! And I particularly love the far away shot of your sweet house and surrounding grounds. Also the lovely fall dogwood!

linda m said...

What beautiful pictures. We have some signs around here also of fall colors. The deer are starting to move and birds are flocking and "bulking up" for winter. Nights are cooling down. I am starting to get the yard ready for winter.

Arkansas Patti said...

Can't believe how much color you have all ready. We are still very green here.
I love Vinca and have two sections of them.
Also, I totally agree with George and ground cover. I need to do that also.

Anonymous said...

I love these fall shots from around your yard. I've never had any problems with sedum but of course it has been an unusual summer for sure.
Have a nice day.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Good Morning Betsy, Love all your Fall colors around your home... I can not image flowers in our Winters.. The Pansy are soooooo very pretty... I see your DH is hard at work... Our Sedum are good this year. Like you mention I reckon maybe all the rain got to them.. Have a lovely week. Hugs Judy

Catherine said...

It's raining and cool here today. Yup, fall is coming!
xo Catherine

Ercotravels said...

your fall pictures looking pretty and colorful..have a nice day, Betsy!


Nellie said...

Pansies are amazing, aren't they? They just keep on blooming for us!

Lovely pictures, Betsy.

Hugs,
Nellie

Jim and Sandie said...

Since we no longer have a yard, I really enjoy the beauty of yours. And when we get to AZ we won't have any trees with fall colors. Thank goodness I get to follow others through their fall changes.

Sylvia K said...

What a beautiful autumn world you have, Betsy! Terrific captures as always! How wonderful to be surrounded by so much beauty! Hope your week is going well!!

Chatty Crone said...

Your yard is beautiful. So do both you and George work on it or just George? And I love fall - it is my favorite season. So what all do you have to do to get ready for fall at your house? sandie

Out on the prairie said...

Love the jasmine, a very interesting bush. You have lots of color, the harvest is starting around here.

Small Kucing said...

What a lovely garden. Hopd one day my garden will be half as beautiful as yours

Vetirmagal said...

This is nostalgia for me. Reminding the awesome visuals of smoky mountains.

Lovely. Thanks.

Connie said...

Pretty photos of the fall colors, Betsy! Everything is still pretty green here.

Big Dude said...

Fall is my favorite time of year and I'm glad it's finally cooler out west.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Fall is as beautiful as a garden full of flowers. Each leaf and blade of grass adds to the beauty. That gorgeous blue sky makes every picture just a little better. Have a great day.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I do have vinca in my yard and love it. It is so pretty and HARDY! Love that. We still have plenty of green in our trees here. I can see just a hint of color changes, though. Pretty pics of your fall in TN today! I love fall!

Small City Scenes said...

Yep, Fall is definitely here. We too have many trees with a blush of red on their leaves. I love the Perfect Moment rose because that was just a perfect moment. We still have more apples to pick and that is certainly a Fall thing. We will plant winter Pansies after we do our fall bulbs (mid October). they will cover the bulb area. In the Spring the Bulbs will come up and the Pansies can stay if they want to. MB

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Lin, Just wanted to thank you for coming to my blog. I tried to go to yours but couldn't find it or get into it (if you have one)... Not sure you will come back here to see this, but since I don't have your email address either, this is just ME saying THANKS to you.
Hugs,
Betsy

Sharon said...

Aren't you glad we live in Tennessee? We get the best of all seasons and the worst of none!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Yay! I get to virtually see Fall colors! I will miss that. Yes, we do have deciduous trees here in Florida, but the leaves basically just go from green to brown and then drop to the ground. You have a lovely yard. Enjoy your beauty. Have a great Thursday tomorrow!

Terry and Linda said...

To mow less! I'm with George! But I'm really not sure how to get it done here. I will have to think on the problem. We are not having much color..August started out with the hint of color showing up here and there, but nothing for some time now.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Shug said...

Oh how happy I am to have a glimpse of Fall. I'm afraid we are going to miss the color this year. Just hasn't been wet enough around here. Little rain causes the leaves to just turn brown and dry up. There really is a lot of beauty in our Country and I am thrilled to view a lot of it through your blog...
hugs
shug

Ann said...

we've also started seeing some color change around here. The temps are feeling more fall like as well. It was only 47 this morning when I got up

Unknown said...

As you know, we started color in August early this year. Your gardens & flowers are lovely & the neighbors leaves are stunning.

Hugs,
TTFN ~
Marydon

Andrea said...

Oh Betsy, in a little while you will be posting a lot of fall photos again, with those amazing colors as far as your eyes can see. I still remember the photo you sent me a few years back. I wonder why the colors already change with those of your neighbors' but yours are still green, when you are just adjacent to each other. Amazing response to temperatures!

Busy Bee Suz said...

That George...he is a hard working gardener! Why must you make him work so hard??? LOL
Your fall colors are gorgeous and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the baby pansies. :)
XO

Joy said...

I love the color of autum. It is begginning to showhere too:)

Marie said...

You gave me a solution to our front yard flower bed, pansies. That is what we will plant. We were looking at flowers recently and have been trying to decide what to plant to last through winter.
I would love to have a dogwood tree in the future. :)
enjoy your week!
Marie

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

These are lovely photos, as always, Betsy. I love other people's flowers, but I don't try to grow them myself. So I don't know about their blooming patterns and how to keep something blooming for as long as possible.

I know you're anxious for fall, but I'd appreciate it if you could hold it off until the first week of November. That's when we're planning our fall trip to the Smokies. :)

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

The leaves are not turning here yet, although they are starting to fall off. Beautiful pictures.

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

Lovely fall shots. We haven't seen much fall around here. My sedum is doing okay. Whatever I planted next to it (how do I not remember?) is dried up and dead. We are having some fall like weather. Hoping the coolness runs the mosquitoes out of town!

Hootin Anni said...

If I ever got the privilege of seeing you in person....on your property...don't expect me to talk much to you!!! I just KNOW I'd be totally speechless, drinking in the beauty of your hard labors of love....wow!!!

Jeevan said...

Wonderful and charming autumn colors! Liked your pansies bed, pretty neatly planted around the post. It’s so good to have trees around house... hope u have cheerful autumn.
My regard to George, for making whatever he could to keep yard attractive!

Insignia said...

What a lovely and refreshing set of pictures to start your blog with. Fall colors are one thing we miss in India :-) The blush reds and flaming oranges and the bright yellows!! And amazing variety of plants you have. Thanks for sharing the pictures

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

George kind of steals this post. He is a trooper keeping you and all looking so sharp. Looking forward to the true fall photos. Pansies here last all summer but die in winter.

Anonymous said...

What lovely autumn colours. Ours are just starting to change too.

Rose said...

Oh, so beautiful! I love Sweet Gum trees better than any I think...for all their gorgeous colors in the fall. That was a great shot to start the post with...all the others are gorgeous, too. But you should take a photo of that Sweetgum every week or every day just to watch the color wash over it.

Nancy said...

You and George with all your hard work provide a photographer's dream location.....I love the change of seasons when you can plant new plants and see all the change in the trees....You shared some beautiful shots with us today...

LV said...

Thoroughly enjoy the Tennessee beauty. Texas has nothing to compare to so many lovely sights.

Grandma Bonnie said...

All those beautiful fall colors have me wishing for fall today. I love this season most of all. We have only one branch on one tree turning colors the rest are still green. I look forward to seeing more fall photos of your yard. I hope you enjoy your weekend.

Mary said...

Sorry I haven't been to your blog recently. Just can't seem to get my mind into blogging right now. You have a lot of fall color already! Very pretty and always welcome to have the heat ending and the cooler days and evenings. Haven't really notice color here yet in the trees, but other signs of fall coming.

Carletta said...

A lovely preview of what's to come!
We've had some cool mornings and touches of color.
I love this time of year!
The deer ate both my sedum and hosta. :(

Rohrerbot said...

Well I did feel a little bit of fall this morning. It was nice and cool which means it's on the way. I cannot wait!!! I'm going home to Wisconsin for a week in less than a month so I can't wait to get out of the desert for awhile:)

Betty Manousos said...

Tennessee fall looks great!

love the lovely variety of fall colours.
your garden/property looks heavenly!
thanks for sharing your glorious photos with us.

big hugs!