GBBD in the Town Mouse Garden

We're at the cusp of fall, and the days are noticeably getting shorter. This is the time for surprises. Plants that didn't do much since spring, taking a rest during the long dry summer days, are suddenly putting out just a few more blossoms. This is what the hummingbird sage above is doing. And, even more surprisingly, Aristolochia californica (California dutchman's pipe) is blooming as well.

More in season is the goldenrod. I bought three Solidago canadensis last year because they are not at all invasive. Unfortunately, they also don't bloom too impressively and they flop over, so I'm reconsidering and might plant the more aggressive native goldenrod next year.

The buckwheats, glory of the summer garden, are slowly starting to fade. Eriogonum arborescens is turning a beautiful shade of rusty pink. I love a plant that still looks great when it's past its prime.

Another Eriogonum in the back garden is actually just starting to reach its best bloom time and attractive to butterflies and pollinators for months to come (enlarge the picture below for a better view of the different shades of white, cream, and rose).

The star of the back garden is still Epilobium (California fuchsia). The low-growing UC Hybrid has filled in well.

And from the sunroom window I can see the red blossoms of the tall cultivar, and, in the back-ground, the salmon-colored medium-sized cultivar. I grew these plants from cuttings I received from a friend so I really don't know the names - but I'm happy to share cuttings with friends who visit.

Another fall favorite (and not a California native) is this Sedum, which I've paired with California fuchsia and some sages and yarrow. It's humming with bees and other pollinators as well.

And last but not least the Mimulus hybrid (monkey flower) that would not die. Protected from the harsh afternoon sun at the east side of the house, this plant has been blooming non stop all summer.

And now I'll head over to Carol at May Dreams Gardens to see who else is showing us around in their gardens. Won't you join me?

Oh, and by the way, if you enjoy Bloom Day, I do want to invite you to First Views, a Meme Country Mouse and I started recently. We're showing of our garden views (not our blooms) in the first week of each month. Here's a little taste...