Cozy Fall...the garden rests

I've thoroughly been enjoying a Fall Break from work and soaking up the gorgeous fall weather. At our elevation we have mostly evergreen trees but are blessed with Quaking Aspen that turn golden and red colors in the fall.

Several weeks ago

Today...October 18th, 2011

"Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees." John Muir

As is common in Colorado, we continue to have days that reach 70 degrees and days with snow. We had four inches of snow a week ago and that was our first frost as well. Many of my garden flowers could survive a light snow, but the heavy four inches brought the tall stalks of the delphinium, sunflowers, golden rod and others to the ground. The only flowers still looking happy are the phlox and sedium. I cut many of the flowers back, fertilized and then used the cuttings to lay on top as a mulch to protect the plants over the winter. I pulled out the soaker hoses and put them away for the year. It is so difficult in the spring to identify where the plants are hiding, so I wanted to mark them. I decided to try using silverware to mark their spots.
I ordered allium and they arrived, so I put those in the ground and hopefully put them in the right direction! Allium are one of those flowers you can enjoy in bloom and then again as dried flowers.

A week ago my husband and I were in Grand Lake, Colorado and stopped by a rustic furniture store. They were closing up shop for the season and selling an arbor that was looking pretty rough...but the good news...it was less than half price! So, we loaded it up in the pickup and brought it home. It took me over 3 hours to sand it, and three coats of stain/sealer and many hours later...it's perfect!

Well, almost perfect. The gate doesn't go with this rustic log arbor at all....

So, well I was out walking I collected dead aspen trees and branches, grabbed the drill and some screws... and now...

...a gate more befitting the arbor. I haven't figured out how I'll hang it yet, but then, that's what husbands are for!

I also had some morning visitors who kept me company while I worked on the gate.

Seriously...they stayed nearly all morning.
This is why I have to have a deer fence! They are fearless!

It's been a heavenly week that has allowed me the opportunity to putter around outside enjoying nature, sunshine and sweaters all day long!
So, even though the garden has died back and gone to sleep...what's not to love about October?