September 22 was officially the first day of fall. Are you feeling the buzz? We often think of autumn as a season of death — leaves falling, light waning, skeletons and jack-o-lanterns. We don’t as often recognize that fall is also a season of life — Fall frenzy!
I noticed this after a walking tour of a farm estate project I am working on. Dozens of spherical, velcro-like cockleburs clung to my socks, pants, and shirt. I couldn't believe how many there were and how seemingly eager they were to hitch a ride to their next location for propagation. Seeds everywhere are on the move!
I have also noticed that wasps in my garden are more active and aggressive in the fall. They have built themselves the papery mansion pictured above. All kinds of insects become extra busy at this time of year as they prepare for winter dormancy.
I see my apple trees fruiting, late season tomatoes are ripe, native grasses are in full bloom. Fall is synonymous with highly energized life. Harvest season, back to school, time for new exhibitions at galleries and museums. The human and more than human world is buzzing with plans and preparations for quieter times of hibernation ahead.
As I move forward on projects during the next couple of months, I will also be looking toward the colder, darker winter months that are perfect for designing and planning the gardens of spring.
