I’m never certain if I’ll have flowers blooming in my garden in October or not.

Last year frost killed my flowers on October 19 and in 2018 my garden was covered with snow on the 14th.

This year my garden is still filled with flowers! With no chance of frost in the forecast.

I’m so grateful for the extended season. For the flowers yes, but also because we spent the beginning of this month on vacation.

A road trip! And a ferry ride to Beaver Island in Lake Michigan.

Lots and lots of walks with the dogs. It wasn’t too cold for bare feet on the beach and wading in the water.

Some days clouds and fog. Some days blue skies and sunshine.

We enjoyed spending time in nature.

I filled my pockets with rocks at the beaches and acorns in the woods and took too many photos of mushrooms.

We gave ourselves a few extra days off after we got back home.

I needed them.

Although my garden is still blooming and producing, the seasonal shift has hit me hard.

Joy Lists weren’t helping.

Although I don’t write about it here (and it might not seem that way), I don’t always feel joyful.

Sometimes far from it.

If you’re struggling, be gentle with yourself (and get help if you need it). As we transition into the darker, colder months it’s important for me to plan for self-care. A few things on my list:

• getting outside every day

• writing in my journal

• playing in my sketchbook

• reading

• joyful lighting & good scents (candles, incense, string lights, cozy lamps)

• soaking up sunshine on sunny days

• trying new recipes (especially soups and baking)

But it’s not winter yet and I still have flowers to share with you.

For seven months now I’ve devoted the third Friday of the month to garden “tours”. Looking back at April it’s hard to imagine my garden was once so bare. It’s always amazing to me how much everything grows in just one season.

Back in July I shared a garden video and today I’m sharing another.

It’s filled with flowers that have made their way into my art.

Did you notice the gem marigolds from my embroidery designs?

I still want to paint some, too (I’m looking at you, foxgloves!).

The end of the season is the perfect time to plan for next year’s garden.

Assess what worked and what didn’t. Decide what I need more of (or less of). In another blog post, I shared that I don’t clean up the fall garden in order to provide food and habitat for wildlife. But I’m planning on digging some of the dahlia bulbs to store for winter (I’m saving seeds from them, too!). I have spring bulbs due to arrive soon. I’m also thinking I’ll “shovel prune” a few of my roses; battling the Japanese beetles nearly did me in this summer (they’re still out there munching).

What are you planning for next year in your garden?

October was supposed to be the month for my seed exchange, but I’m going to hold off till November — I’m still waiting for some of my seeds to finish ripening and I’m guessing you might be, too. If you think you’d like to participate (and be matched with another gardener with whom you’ll share seeds), send me an email. If there’s enough interest I’ll announce the details next month.