Thursday, September 2, 2010

Fall Hydrangeas at Heart and Home



These are the final days of summer.
The weather has been the nicest yet, with fog-free mornings and warm breezy days.
Around here it's the best time of the year to head to the beach,
but don't let the out-of-towners know that.
It will be our little secret.



In the garden, plants need to be pruned, oak leaves swept up,
 and acorns cleared off the steps and the deck.

The pots of hydrangeas from the Summer are past their prime.
I cut all the stems and put them in a vase to dry.
Now they will be Fall Hydrangeas.

I have baskets around the house containing dried bunches from years ago.
When I move the baskets, hydrangea petals rain everywhere in little petal flurries.
I'm adding new stems to the collection so I can let go of some of the really old ones.
 I'm afraid they will eventually turn to dust, like a moth's wings.
I really don't need any more dust in this house, if you know what I mean.

Maggie doesn't like to dust, either.
She is not a very big help around the house.
This dog gets a free ride around here, that's for certain.
I guess being cute counts for something.


I'm wondering if these blossoms will hold their color.
They are the prettiest green and gold,
and somewhere in that bunch 
are a few pale blue reminders of spring and summer.



Everyday right about now
the afternoon sun streams through the skylights,
bathing the entryway in warmth and golden sunlight.





I always look forward to this time of year.
After the excitement of back-to-school,
we all chug through the next few weeks.
Earlier bedtimes, alarm clocks,
 packed lunches and homework take some getting used to

The weather is warmer than usual, and the days are still long.
Then, all of a sudden, there is a snap in the air
and it's time to pull out the heavy throws and brocade slipcovers.


Seashells will soon be replaced
with pumpkins, gourds and dried wheat, as the weather turns cool.




Time to let go of the warm weather and embrace the chill in the air,
 the falling leaves and the scent of burning wood.
Time to start thinking about the upcoming holidays and celebrations.

Time to start baking delicious apple treats,
with apples picked in the orchard across the way.
I've collected a few new recipes, for apple cakes and crisps and crumbles.
I'm looking forward to some quality time in the kitchen,
peeling and chopping and sifting and stirring.
And tasting.
I'll let you know how things turn out.

Until next time,
XO
Heidi

Linking to Show and Tell, at Cindy's

15 comments:

Sonia said...

LOVE LOVE your hydrangeas..any color but I really do love fall when they turn the prettiest shades of mauve and green! So nice that you can enjoy them!

Miss Bloomers

Blondie's Journal said...

I had no idea that hydrangeas would fade to this color, perfect for a fall decor. Beautiful.

xoxo
Jane

Lori E said...

Our main street has a bunch of different hydrangeas planted in the median.
I am amazed by the ones there that are bigger than my head. Huge flower heads.
No I won't go and steal them but it breaks my heart to see them just aging away there when they would look so nice in my living room.

Pinky said...

Yoour hydrangeas look beautiful. I still have all mine on the bushes cause I am desperately trying to keep them alive and GREEN for my daughters wedding next week! Have a great weekend! Xo, Pinky

MJ said...

They are one of my top 2 flowers. I miss them so much. I moved last November and left behind 6 beautiful bushes (whites,pink,blues,purple) at my old home. Im planning on planting some here in the spring/summer season. Thanks so much..nice memories.

Nita Stacy said...

I love the fall hydrangeas. My hydrangeas were sad looking two months ago. The sun and heat here have just burned them up. I just have to look forward to seeing them next spring. You are so lucky that you have beautiful blooms to bring in the house for fall.

Diann @ The thrifty Groove said...

Hi Heidi!

Oh, those flowers look so gorgeous! Beautiful photos!

I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I love your dried hydrangeas Heidi. What gorgeous pics!
Your like calgon, you swept me away with this post!
Have a great weekend,
Cindy

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Beautiful hydrangeas! I tried drying some this year, but I think they were picked to early, as they wilted instead of dried.
Enjoy your weekend.

Melissa said...

What a beautiful and thoughtful post about the changing seasons.

I love the colors of your hydrangeas and the contrast that the blue vase provides.

beachvintage.com said...

And Spring has begun here! Isnt it amazing. I love your dried flowers.

My Dream Canvas said...

This is beautiful. I am hosting a 50 dollar CSN Giveaway on my blog. I would love for you to stop by. Thanks Anu!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Hi Heidi~ I just discovered your beautiful blog and I love it! Wonderful photos, and your little Maggie is adorable...I'm looking forward to reading more~ I am a new follower!

Charlene said...

Your hydrengeas are wonderful!!!! Mine were not too good this year. I often like to gather & dry my faded blooms but, this year I think they will just be prunned & forgotten. :(

Charlene

Anonymous said...

Your hydrangeas are beautiful and you have such a gorgeous home!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)