As we brace ourselves for another onslaught of wet and windy weather, the gardens have entered autumn in full, beautiful force. Since the start of October we’ve received over five inches of rain, nearly double what is expected for this entire month. The lawns and newly-planted grass seed have responded with a gorgeous green. The leaves range from golden to bronzy orange to deep red amidst the stately evergreens. The asters, dahlias, and sedum, although taking a beating from the storms, continue to delight us with their ready blooms. This is fall at its finest.

‘Rawhide’ dahlias, one of my favorite varieties from last year, grow in healthy bush form and produce an abundance of beautiful, multi-hued peach blooms edged in red — perfect for the fall table.