vibernum – Whimsey Pie

Yesterday afternoon, my husband and I spent several hours trimming and tidying up the yard, bushes, and flower beds. While I worked, I had the opportunity to look closely at the remains of a luxurious growing season. Perhaps you think there is nothing to see in a garden this time of year. And, if you are looking for the vibrance and voluptuousness of summer, you would be right. It is true that the plants I tucked in for a long winter’s nap were mere skeletons of their former glorious summer selves – dried out, brown, and brittle.

And yet….

These perennials displayed a spare, fragile grace that I found beautiful and moving in its own way. So, smack in the middle of raking leaves and pulling weeds, I felt compelled to grab the camera and attempt to capture the fleeting and inherently sad loveliness I was seeing. I’m sharing the best of the shots here along with some images from the summer. It’s quite a contrast, don’t you agree? Let me know what you think.

Coneflower (August)