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Award winner author of gardening humor books

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May Dreams Gardens

Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day – October 2015

October 15, 2015 By Carol Michel 53 Comments

Black-eyed Susans, a bit of floral flotsam

Welcome to Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day for October 2015.

Here in my USDA Hardiness Zone 6a garden in central Indiana, the growing season is slowly coming to a close.

While I should be pulling out annuals and vegetables, deadheading rampant self-sowers and otherwise preparing for winter, I find myself pausing, virtually leaning on my hoe, waiting for the first frost to signal to me that this season is really over.

Without that first frost, I think I have more blooms at this point than in past years, but that could just be wishful thinking, a glass-half full view of the garden.

Much of what I see in bloom is floral flotsam, those bits of blooms here and there on plants which were in full bloom earlier in the season, then manage to put out one or two new blooms late in the year.

There are a few black-eyed susans, Rudbeckia sp.,  peaking out from under the grape arbor. I assume the shade of the grape leaves kept this chance seedling from blooming until now.

In the vegetable garden proper, the back border is still colored by zinnias and marigolds, and the purple blooms of Purple Hyacinth Bean, Lablab purpurea.

Lablab purpurea, grow it just for the name!

Had I known how long this vine would flower, I would not have waited my entire gardening life to plant it in my garden.  Now that I know about it, I’ll replant it each year.

And I will also keep planting Alyssum along the edges of the vegetable garden beds.

And the Alyssum attracts pollinators.

When I tear out the majority of the crops in the vegetable garden this weekend, I will leave the alyssum to grown on until it is covered by snow.

Over in Plopper’s Field, where I plop in perennials wherever there is a blank spot, I love the rusty brown color of the tall sedum.

Rusty brown is the new “in” flower color, right?

Though the pollinators are leaving these dried flowers alone now, they are still finding pollen on the Asters.

Can’t have a fall garden without Asters!

I noticed in one area of Plopper’s Field there is some common fleabane, Erigeron annuus, growing and flowering.

A welcome native, self-sowing itself in my garden.

I remember reading about fleabane in a British garden magazine last year, about how it is a good flower to fill in a border, but if left to go to seed, it can become a nuisance.  But it is a nice nuisance, don’t you think?

I am still enjoying the blooms of Dendranthema.

Dendranthema, the new, better garden Chrysanthemum.

This is one of the Igloo series, but I’m not sure which one. No matter, they are all lovely flowers.

Another lovely flower is Colchicum.

Three colchicums walked into a bar…

These are literally the last three Colchicum blooms I could find in my garden.

What else adds color to a mid-October garden?

The berries of beautyberry, Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Early Amethyst’ are as lovely as blooms.

Not native, but the birds still like the berries

As are the red and black berries of Viburnum x juddii.

Viburnum x juddii, one of the best viburnums for scent

Is that the last of the blooms in my garden? Perhaps, but maybe not. I am closely watching the flower buds on some hardy Camellias in the back garden.

A delight or folly? Time will tell

Perhaps they will bloom yet this fall?

We can only hope.

What’s blooming in your garden on this lovely autumn day in mid-October? We would love to have you join in for Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day and show us.  It’s easy to participate. Just post on your blog about what’s blooming in your garden on or about the 15th of the month and then come back here and put a link to your blog post in Mr. Linky and leave a comment to tell us what you have for us to see.

And then remember, as always…

“We can have flowers nearly every month of the year.” ~ Elizabeth Lawrence

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: garden bloggers bloom day

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening says

    October 15, 2015 at 5:10 am

    You still have a lot of color in your garden for October Carol. It's hard to say goodbye to the warmer days but fall has its attributes too. Thanks for hosting and happy gardening!

    Reply
  2. Rainy Day Gardener says

    October 15, 2015 at 5:21 am

    You have such inspiring blooms in your October garden, Carol. I love asters in autumn, although my bee's seem to have gone to sleep already.

    Reply
  3. outlawgardener says

    October 15, 2015 at 5:51 am

    Gorgeous! I was hoping that some of my colchicum would make it to bloom day but alas all are gone now. I'm with you on waiting for the frost to let me know that it's time to clean up. On the other hand, things crunch up pretty nicely if left until spring. Any reason to be lazy! Happy GBBD, Carol and thanks for continuing to host this wonderful meme!

    Reply
  4. Unknown says

    October 15, 2015 at 6:29 am

    Lots of strong purples still in your garden. The Lablab and Alyssum look particularly fabulous!

    I am very sorry – I had trouble with Mr Linky this morning and have managed to load myself 3 times on the link list. I have tried to remove two of me, but can't manage it. Are you able to remove a couple of me? It's starting to look like the product of a passport photobooth. Very sorry.

    Reply
  5. Ruth @ Camellia Rose says

    October 15, 2015 at 8:46 am

    Loving all your purple this month! I must get some colchicums (I say that every year!)

    Reply
  6. Pauline says

    October 15, 2015 at 9:18 am

    You have so much still flowering, I think we treasure these late flowers as we know it won't be long before the garden goes to sleep. My Colchicums are still putting up more buds, I'm wondering how long it will be before a frost finishes them off.

    Reply
  7. Nan Ondra says

    October 15, 2015 at 9:34 am

    I love your term "floral flotsam," Carol. Certainly looks like an understatement, though. I guess you too will be getting frost very soon, so I hope you can get outside to enjoy the last few days of the growing season.

    Reply
  8. VP says

    October 15, 2015 at 10:33 am

    We've had our first grass frosts this week, so I'm envious of the amount you still have blooming Carol. Interesting that your Alyssum is purple, I'll be posting about the white version soon – we saw it everywhere on our recent holiday in Jersey.

    Reply
  9. Les says

    October 15, 2015 at 10:41 am

    Thank you for the prompt to remember to plant hyacinth bean next summer. I never got around to it this year and am kicking myself. Good luck with your camellia; I will send warm southern wishes to you for its success.

    Reply
  10. rusty duck says

    October 15, 2015 at 11:03 am

    Rusty brown is the perfect colour for autumn! If it's the new 'in' colour that's fine by me! Lovely collection of blooms Carol and many thanks for hosting Bloom Day.

    Reply
  11. Alana says

    October 15, 2015 at 11:25 am

    We both have something in common – a hardy camilla in bloom, except mine is in upstate New York, a zone "lower" than yours. Let's both hope for the future. You still have a lot of color – alas, winter is almost here. Happy GBBD! Alana

    Reply
  12. cheryl says

    October 15, 2015 at 11:49 am

    I planted colchicum this spring and b=never saw a one…glad I got to enjoy your trio . i am going to try again next year , they are so unusual and pretty.

    Reply
  13. Erica Smith says

    October 15, 2015 at 12:23 pm

    Thanks for hosting! The hyacinth bean is magnificent, isn't it? Also edible – try the leaves, flowers, and young pods.

    Glad to be back on GBBD after several months away.

    Reply
  14. Denise says

    October 15, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    Carol, Thank you for this opportunity to visit gardens and share mine with your readers. Enjoy the fall and winter and see you next spring.

    Reply
  15. Swimray says

    October 15, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    My New England Asters were a flash in the pan this year – blooming for about one week then poof- they were gone. I see your zone is more accommodating. And you have lots of color left.
    -Ray

    Reply
  16. Rose says

    October 15, 2015 at 1:08 pm

    Your hyacinth bean looks so lovely. I didn't get any planted this year, so I hope you'll remind me to plant some next spring, too. I'm with you on waiting till frost to clean things up–I just can't bear to pull things out while they're still blooming. And if I don't get it done…I'll have lots of "winter interest":)

    Reply
  17. Kathy says

    October 15, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    Glad to see you and so many commenters also have colchicums or wish to grow them. I was finally able to see my Jindai aster bloom because the frost held off. My other asters were done blooming a while ago.

    Reply
  18. Nic says

    October 15, 2015 at 1:32 pm

    Ooh, excited to see what happens with the camellias. As always, thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  19. Tina says

    October 15, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    You have quite a bit still blooming. Those three colchicums are gorgeous and the Dendranthema is lush, to say the least! Thanks, as always, for hosting.

    Reply
  20. Beth at PlantPostings says

    October 15, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Lucky you to be able to grow Camellias in your climate. I'm just a little too cold here (5a) for even the cold-hardy ones. Thanks, again, for hosting Garden Bloggers Bloom Day!

    Reply
  21. Covegirl says

    October 15, 2015 at 2:46 pm

    Beautiful! I have mums,white allysum, autumn Joy, and asters blooming!

    Reply
  22. Hoover Boo says

    October 15, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    Here Alyssum is also invaluable to feed predators like lady bugs when the aphid population drops. They survive on the pollen. Mine reseeds quite a lot, but its easy to pull. Alas, the beautiful rich purple as in your garden quickly reverts to white.

    Enjoyed your post and seeing what blooms in your colder zone–still so much!

    Reply
  23. Sofie says

    October 15, 2015 at 3:14 pm

    Thanks for hosting this blog hop! Your purple flowers look beautiful

    Greetings, Sofie
    http://sofies-succulent-beads.blogspot.be

    Reply
  24. Lisa at Greenbow says

    October 15, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    Amazing that your colchocium is still blooming. Happy GBBD.

    Reply
  25. danger garden says

    October 15, 2015 at 4:40 pm

    This is the first autumn since I ripped out my sad sad Sedum 'Autumn Joy' – I hadn't thought much about them until seeing your photo. Now I kind of miss them.

    Reply
  26. Dee/reddirtramblings says

    October 15, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    Look at all those pictures! You have a lot going on in your garden. Yes, hyacinth bean is a favorite here. We love it. Happy Bloom Day my friend.~~Dee

    Reply
  27. Danielle Bedics-Arizala, The Magic Garden says

    October 15, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    Enjoying everyone's blooms. Wonderful!

    Reply
  28. Kris Peterson says

    October 15, 2015 at 4:56 pm

    "Floral flotsam" – I love the term. That's what most of my garden currently consists of, although cold and the threat of frost isn't the issue here but rather heat and drought. I love that Lablab purpurea and must remember to plant some seeds next year. Thanks, as always, for hosting GBBD, Carol!

    Reply
  29. That Bloomin' Garden says

    October 15, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    I want the beautyberry. Now to find room for it. You know how it is, there is always a plant that isn't paying the rent.

    Reply
  30. islandgal246 says

    October 15, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    I am amazed how short your growing season is and the wide variety of plants you have flowering. Happy GBBD!

    Reply
  31. theblooominggarden.wordpress.com says

    October 15, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    Lovely October blooms. I love the purple berries of the Callicarpa. Thanks for hostong Carole.

    Reply
  32. Anonymous says

    October 15, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    Thanks for hosting – always interesting to see what is blooming elsewhere

    Reply
  33. Anonymous says

    October 15, 2015 at 6:25 pm

    The beautyberry looks strangely unreal, doesn't it? I don't think I could have one in my garden, but I'd just love the lablab! Will look into it for next year. Thanks, as ever, for hosting.

    Reply
  34. Dorothy Borders says

    October 15, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    Lovely blooms. Happy October Bloom Day.

    Reply
  35. Anca Tîrcă says

    October 15, 2015 at 7:22 pm

    It is such a pleasure to see what is in bloom in different parts of the world, thanks for hosting, Helen! And your garden still looks great, congratulations!

    Reply
  36. Woodland Gnome says

    October 15, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    Carol, you have such a beautiful selection of purple flowers and berries this month. Purple Hyacinth bean is a joy and very tough. I forgot to plant my seeds this spring, but won't make that mistake again next May! I hope your Camellia soon rewards you with blossoms. Here are a few photos of what is blooming in our October garden: https://forestgardenblog.wordpress.com/2015/10/15/still-vibrantly-blooming-october-15/ Best wishes for a few more days of beautiful flowers! WG

    Reply
  37. ks says

    October 15, 2015 at 9:51 pm

    Happy BloomDay Carol!It's been so long since I've grown Hyacinth bean. Must rectify !

    Reply
  38. WashingtonGardener says

    October 15, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    I'm not sure yet about the common fleabane. It sure does seed around my garden from neighboring properties. It is a flower, but so floppy and always in a pathway. I cut it for arrangments, that may be its only saving grace.

    Reply
  39. Anonymous says

    October 15, 2015 at 11:02 pm

    I hope your camellias bloom too! Thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  40. ValHalla says

    October 16, 2015 at 12:15 am

    The rabbits did not eat my asters this year! I also have a camellia fruit–that's a first.
    How do the lablab beans taste?

    Reply
  41. Janice says

    October 16, 2015 at 1:05 am

    Your Beautyberry is still so beautiful! Here in zone 9, mine is done, but the Mockingbirds enjoyed them while they lasted. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  42. Evan Bean says

    October 16, 2015 at 1:20 am

    I love those purple alyssum. Thanks for reminding me that I wanted to scatter some around my own garden.

    Reply
  43. Sue says

    October 16, 2015 at 2:23 am

    Happy GBBD Carol! Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  44. Pam's English Garden says

    October 16, 2015 at 2:51 am

    Your October garden is lovely, Carol. Thanks so much for hosting GBBD. Your outstanding blog deserves all its accolades. And I must say how much I enjoyed meeting you at GWA last month! Pam x

    Reply
  45. Anonymous says

    October 16, 2015 at 4:23 am

    Carol, This is the first year I've had a strong Aster presence in my October garden; and, I agree, they are the stars of the fall garden. Thanks again for hosting. -Jean

    Reply
  46. Anna K says

    October 16, 2015 at 6:22 am

    I'm really going to have to look into that Lablab – that is one cool plant! Not much is new on my end this month – feel like I've been photographing the same plants over and over again for months.

    Reply
  47. CommonWeeder says

    October 16, 2015 at 5:39 pm

    I was a day late get in my Bloom Day post but we were moving yesterday. I got to post photos of my Heath Garden and my new Greenfield garden. I am very glad to have only one garden, and a smaller garden from now on.

    Reply
  48. Indie says

    October 16, 2015 at 6:16 pm

    Love your Purple Hyacinth Bean! That would be lovely if you got a Camellia bloom. I do miss Camellias after moving up north. I'm a day late, but joining in. Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  49. MulchMaid says

    October 16, 2015 at 9:16 pm

    You have such a lot of wonderful fall blooms. Seeing your asters, I realize I need some native ones for our Northwest Territory. Must remedy that. Happy day-after-Bloom Day, Carol!

    Reply
  50. John says

    October 17, 2015 at 4:15 am

    Hi Carol, I think I'm going to take possession of the last posting again. Between travel and family I can't seem to get my postings organized in time. But I still enjoy taking note of what is happening in the garden. I'll have to take a good look at that purple hyacinth bean. Lovely colors.

    Reply
  51. RobinL says

    October 18, 2015 at 1:29 am

    I haven't done very well planning blooms for autumn, so my October flowers are mostly the last of the annuals. This time of year, my zinnias and dahlias are putting on a quite a show. But we all know how this ends, don't we? Frost, and it's coming tonight. Phooey. At least my snapdragons will linger for a bit longer.

    Reply
  52. Angie says

    October 18, 2015 at 4:02 pm

    Apologies for being late this month. It's been a busy week!
    Our gardens are at similar stages, we've already had our first frosts but thankfully they have done little harm. Your October garden is looking great Carol. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  53. Sarah says

    October 21, 2015 at 11:03 pm

    Well, I'm only a week late. I love to see these posts, so I figure better late than never. I'll try to do better next time. "Ploppers Field, " by the way, is a great name for a garden — or garden bed…. thanks for dreaming this up.

    Reply

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