fall in Colorado

This Saturday, September 22nd, is the first day of Fall. 

It hasn't felt like Fall could even be approaching, given the recent temperatures in Southern California. When the daily temperatures are in the high 90s, it's hard to feel the spirit of Fall. 

I've even had a hard time imagining my front porch covered in pumpkins and twinkle lights, let alone Fall decor in my home. I'll be honest, it kinda bummed me out a little . . . BUT that's all changed in the last 24 hours!

How, you might ask? 

My little ones and I traveled with my husband to a charming town called Highlands Ranch, south of Denver, for a two week visit. We were pleasantly surprised when we walked out of the airport only to look at each other and comment on the chill in the air. It was a brisk 56 degrees.  To some, that might not seem cold ~ but to a Southern California girl ~ that's chilly.

While touring a few of the Main Streets in local towns . . . I saw mounds of Fall colored mums gathered around store fronts, buckets of pumpkins ~ orange and white ~ as well as gourds of all sizes and colors. Simply, beautiful.

It's hard not to smile when you see such beauty. 

Welcome Fall!

black-eyed Susans . . . end-of-Summer flowers

Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary . . .  

Black-Eyed Susans remind me of the end of Summer.

               August and September are typically when you see them for sale in nurseries.

I mentioned in an earlier post that Black-eyed Susans and sunflowers are my favorite Summer flowers.

Look closely at the petals . . . notice how the burnt-sienna feathers into the golden yellow.

Isn't it beautiful?

Even the petals are pretty with their scalloped edges and deep green color.

This is the time of year when I buy several for my garden, and a few for our dining room.

I have a beautiful collection of creme and white pots, and black-eyed Susans look quite pretty in them. 

         For so many reasons . . . 

                   these stunning flowers stir an excitement in me for Fall.

a few fun facts about the Black-Eyed Susan

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It is the official state flower of Maryland, since 1918.

Just like Echinacea, this flower has been used in traditional herbal medicine. 

Juice from the roots has been used to heal earaches.

Black-Eyed Susan’s are pioneer plants, one of the first plants to grow after a fire or other natural disaster.

In the language of flowers, Black-Eyed Susan’s represent encouragement.

They would be the perfect gift to send to a friend who is going through some tough times.

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 ~ End of Summer bridal shower featuring Black-Eyed Susans ~

What's your favorite end of Summer flower?

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Simply Suzannes at Home

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