Back Home to Find Fall in Full Swing

Oh how lovely it is to wake up in one's own bed after two weeks away! I awoke to a gorgeous, clear but chilly fall morning. It was 30 F at our house this morning - about -1C, but the temperature by mid-afternoon was in the mid-60's (18 C). A simply stunning fall day. 

For the first time in two weeks I went prowling around my garden with my camera to see how things had fared. We clearly had a killing frost - maybe a little early for Portland. The tender annuals and perennials are all done, but a few of the hardier things are hanging on. It also hasn't rained much for a while since the garden seemed quite dry.

I was drawn to this pair of Japanese Lanterns (Physalis alkekengi) since I really like the juxtaposition of the skeletal lantern against the orange lantern...especially in the late afternoon sun.

The extras are of a perennial Cranesbill (Erodium chrysanthum) once again in bloom in the cool weather. And 'Rosie the Riveter' somewhat nipped by frost but enjoying the warm fall sun.

There's a lot of work to do in the garden - cleaning up, digging the now frost-killed dahlias, cutting back so many plants, but am looking forward to it all!